Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
May (noun)1.
the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar
2.
often not capitalized the early vigorous blooming part of human life - prime
3.
the festivities of May Day
4.
not capitalized
a) green or flowering branches used for May Day decorations
b) a plant that yields may as
(1) - hawthorn
(2) a spring-flowering spirea
1.
a) archaic have the ability to
b) have permission to be free to - you may go now a rug on which children may sprawl C. E. Silberman used nearly interchangeably with can
c) - used to indicate possibility or probability you may be right things you may need sometimes used interchangeably with can one of those slipups that may happen from time to time Jessica Mitford sometimes used where might would be expected you may think from a little distance that the country was solid woods Robert Frost
2.
- used in auxiliary function to express a wish or desire especially in prayer, imprecation, or benediction may the best man win
3.
- used in auxiliary function expressing purpose or expectation I laugh that I may not weep or contingency she'll do her duty come what may or concession he may be slow but he is thorough or choice the angler may catch them with a dip net, or he may cast a large, bare treble hook Nelson Bryant
4.
- shall must used in law where the sense, purpose, or policy requires this interpretation can
archaic - maiden
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