man

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man [[t]mæn[/t]] n. pl. men,

1) an adult male person, as distinguished from a boy or a woman

2) pal pan a member of the species Homo sapiens or all the members of this species collectively, without regard to sex

3) bio the human individual as representing the species, without reference to sex; the human race; humankind:

Man hopes for peace[/ex]

4) a human being; person:

every man for himself[/ex]

5) a husband

6) cvb a male lover or sweetheart

7) a male having qualities considered appropriately masculine:

made a man of him[/ex]

8) cvb a male servant or attendant

9) why a feudal tenant; vassal

10) cvb sts Slang. a male friend; ally:

my main man[/ex]

11) sts Slang. (used as a term of familiar address):

Man, take it easy[/ex]

12) chs a playing piece used in certain games, as chess or checkers

13) Obs. manly character

14) cvb sts the man or Man, Slang.

a) an authoritative or controlling person or group

b) (among blacks) white persons collectively; white society

c) a person who is greatly admired:

He's the man[/ex]

15) (used to express astonishment or delight):

Man, what a car![/ex]

16) to supply with people, as for service:

to man the ship[/ex]

17) to take one's place at:

to man the ramparts; to man the phones[/ex]

18) to strengthen; fortify:

to man yourself for danger[/ex]

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- one's own man man and boy to a man

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE man(n), c. OFris, OSmann, OHGman(n), ON mathr, Go manna usage: The use of generic man (“human being”), alone and in compounds such as mankind, is declining. Critics of generic man maintain that its use is sometimes ambiguous and often slighting of women. Although some editors and writers dismiss these objections, many now choose instead such terms as human(s), human being(s), human race, humankind, people, or, when necessary, men and women or women and men. See also -man, -person, -woman .