The East Anglian Word "Mauther"

Skinner's note on this word is "Mawther, vox Norfolciensi agro peculiaris: *Spelman* ipse eodem agro ortus a Dan. *Moer*, Virgo, Puella, deflectit. Possit tamen et declinari a Belg. *Maegd*, Teut. *Magd*, idem signante, addita term. *er* vel *der*, ut in proximo agro Lincolniensi in vocibus *Heeder* et *Sheeder* quæ Marem et Feminam notant. Author Dict. Angl. scribit *Modder*, et cum Kiliano deducit a Belg. *Modde*, *Moddeken*, Pupa, Puella, Virgincula."—*Etymol.* sub voce. Webster merely gives (with strange neglect, having Skinner before him): "Mauther, a foolish young girl(not used)."—*Ben J…