mammock

English

Etymology

From mam (of obscure origin) +‎ -ock (“diminutive suffix”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈmamək/

Noun

mammock (plural mammocks)

1. (archaic or dialect) A shapeless piece; a fragment.
   • 1819, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe:

     " Then, by St. Thomas of Canterbury," replied Gurth, "we will have the castle, should we tear it down with our hands!" / "We have nothing else to tear it with," replied Wamba; "but mine are scarce fit to make mammocks of freestone and mortar."

Verb

mammock (third-person singular simple present mammocks, present participle mammocking, simple past and past participle mammocked)

1. (archaic or dialectal, transitive) To tear to pieces.
   • 1623, William Shakespeare, Coriolanus:

     I saw him run after a gilded butterfly; and when he caught it, he let it go again ; and after it again; and over and over he comes, and up again; catched it again: or whether his fall enraged him, or how 'twas, he did so set his teeth, and tear it; O, I warrant, how he mammocked it!

   • about 1980, Connie McElroy, 'Twas a Night Afore Chistmas, Son: or A Harkers Island Christmas:

     I heard him hollar as he sank out of sight, "My Lord Honey, haint I been momicked this night."

   • 2002, Anne Curzan, North Carolina Language and Life, American Speech 77:2, 218,219.:

     The distinctive features (Of Ocracoke Island brogue) are clearly described within three categories: pronunciation ..., grammar .., and vocabulary (e.g., ... and mommuck "to torment or pick on"). [D]istinctive features of Lumbee English in three categories: pronunciation ..., grammar ..., and vocabulary ( ... mommuck "treat something badly or make a mess")

   • 2008, author unknown, Automobile decorative licence plate, Davis, Carteret County, North Carolina

Usage notes

• In use with varying pronunciation and spelling in tidewater North Carolina among at least the Lumbee, Ocracoke Islanders and Downeasters or Core Sounders.