M. or N.

These must, I think, be the initials of some words, and not originating in a corruption of nom, as suggested. We have in the marriage service:— "'I publish the banns of marriage between M. of —— and N. of ——.' "The curate shall say unto the man, "M. 'Wilt thou have this woman,' &c. "The priest shall say unto the woman, "N. 'Wilt thou have this man,' &c. "The man says: 'I, M. take thee N. to my wedded wife,' &c. "The woman says: 'I, N. take thee M. to my wedded husband,'" &c. Again, "Forasmuch as M. and N. have consented together," &c. All these passages would go to show that the letters are in…