mawks

English

Noun

mawks

1. plural of mawk
2. hands

Noun

mawks (plural mawks)

1. (UK, archaic) (Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?)A prostitute or slovenly woman; a slut
   • 1866, Richard Redgrave, Samuel Redgrave, quoting Earl of Darnley, A Century of Painters of the English School: With Critical Notices of Their Works, and an Account of the Progress of Art in England, page 153:

     Of all the disgusting drabs we ever saw, this [Europa in Titian's The Rape of Europa] bears away the bell. She is, however, very well matched in the 'Risk.' What Jupiter could see in such a mawks, or what the mawks could see in such a Jupiter , we are at a loss to comprehend.

   • 1891, Marie Corelli, The Hired Baby: With Other Stories and Social Sketches, page 22:

     Mother Mawks gathered her torn garments round her with a gesture of defiance , and sniffed the air as though she said, "Any one who wants to meddle with me will get the worst of it."

   • 1990, Judith E. French, Lovestorm, Avon Books, →ISBN:

     Then you must make do with Betty and some wench at Sotterley. God knows there's enough lazy mawks in my employ.