It is said to mean (1) stella maris (Eusebius); (2) lady, from the Syrian Martha (St. John Damascene); this is the Breviary meaning, but the Breviary uses the first meaning, stella maris, too; (3) stately, imposing one (Bardenhewer); (4) from the Egyptian, merijom, friend of water, bride of the sea (Macke).

("Lent unto thomas Dowton, the 11 of Aprel 1598, to bye tafitie to macke a Rochet for the beshoppe in earlle good wine, xxiiii s." Henslowe's Diary, ed.

He also names a play entitled "The Macke," under date of Feb. 21, 1594-5; but it is doubtful if they were not the same.