maudlin

maudlin · noun, adjective¹

1. Late Latin · derived fromMagdalena
2. Old French · derived fromMadelaine
3. Middle English · derived fromMaudelen
4. English todaymaudlin

From Middle English Maudelen, a dialectal form of Mary Magdalene (typically depicted weeping), from Old French Madelaine (whence Madeleine), from Late Latin Magdalena (see Magdalena, Magdalene, and Maudlin).

Maudlin · proper noun²

1. Middle English · derived fromMaudeleyn
2. English todayMaudlin

English surname, from Middle English Maudeleyn. Doublet of Madeleine, Magdalen, Magdalena, and Magdalene.

First known use, by meaning

• 14th–16th c. The Magdalene; Mary Magdalene.
• from 15th c. Either of two aromatic plants, costmary or sweet yarrow.
• 17th c. A Magdalene house; a brothel.
• from 17th c. Affectionate or sentimental in an effusive, tearful, or foolish manner, especially because of drunkenness.
• from 17th c. Extravagantly or excessively sentimental; mawkish, self-pitying.
• 17th–19th c. Tearful, lachrymose.