MESSUAGE

PRONUNCIATION: (MES-wij)

MEANING: noun: A residential building with outbuildings and the attached land.

ETYMOLOGY: From the misreading of the letter n as u in Old French mesnage (household), from Latin manere (to remain, dwell). Ultimately from the Indo-European root men- (to remain), which also gave us manor, mansion, ménage, immanent, permanent, menagerie, menial, and remain. Earliest documented use: 1490.
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MASSUAGE - (pron. mass-WAGE) - paying everybody at least $15/hour!

MESSUAVE - (pron. me-SWAV) - "I am the smoothest!"

MESSTAGE - (pron mess-STAGE) - after the wild theater party