MAIL, noun [Latin macula.]
1. A coat of steel net-work, formerly worn for defending the body against swords, poniards, etc. The mail was of two sorts, chain and plate mail; the former consisting of iron rings, each having four others inserted into it; the latter consisting of a number of small lamins of metal, laid over one another like the scales of a fish, and sewed down to a strong linen or leathern jacket.
2. Armor; that which defends the body.
We strip the lobster of his scarlet mail
We read also of shirts of mail and gloves of mail
3. In ships, a square machine composed of rings interwoven, like net-work, used for rubbing off the loose hemp on lines and white cordage.
4. A rent. Also, a spot.
MAIL, noun A bag for the conveyance of letters and papers, particularly letters conveyed from one post office to another, under public authority.
MAIL, verb transitive To put on a coat of mail or armor; to arm defensively.
1. To inclose in a wrapper and direct to a post office. We say, letters were mailed for Philadelphia.