mail¹ / māl/ • n. letters and packages conveyed by the postal system. ∎  (also the mails) the postal system: you can order by mail the check is in the mail | [as adj.] a mail truck. ∎  [in sing.] a single delivery or collection of mail: the new magazine that came in the mail today. ∎ Comput. electronic mail. ∎ dated a vehicle, such as a train, carrying mail. ∎ archaic a bag of letters to be conveyed by the postal system.• v. [tr.] send (a letter or package) using the postal system: if you will mail the coupon, we'll send you a free trial package. ∎ Comput. send (someone) electronic mail.DERIVATIVES: mail·a·ble adj.mail² • n. hist. armor made of metal rings or plates, joined together flexibly. ∎  the protective shell or scales of certain animals.• v. [tr.] clothe or cover with mail: [as adj.] (mailed) a mailed gauntlet. PHRASES: the mailed fist the use of physical force to maintain control or impose one's will.

mail2 (now Sc.) payment, tax, tribute. north. repr. of late OE. māl — ON. mál speech, agreement = OE. mæl speech; in sense the Eng. word corr. rather to ON. mǣli stipulation, stipulated pay.

mail3 (now Sc. and U.S.) pack, bag XIII; bag of letters for conveyance by post; person or vehicle conveying this XVII. ME. male — OF. male (mod. malle bag, trunk), of Gmc. orig.
Hence vb. (orig. U.S.). send by post. XIX.

mail See electronic mail.

mail1 ring or plate of armour; armour composed of rings XIV; breast feathers of a hawk XV. — (O)F. maille mesh:- L. macula spot, mesh.