MATRONALIA, a Roman festival instituted by Romulus, and celebrated on the kalends of March, in honour
of Mars. It was particularly observed by matrons, and bachelors were entirely excluded from any share in the solemnity. During this festival the men sent presents to the women, for which a return was made by them at the Saturnalia, and the women now gave the same indulgence to their servants which the men gave to theirs at the feast of Saturn, serving them at table, and treating them as superiors.
MATROSSES are soldiers in the train of artillery, who are next to the gunners, and assist them in loading, firing, and sponging the great guns. They carry firelocks, and march along with the store waggons, both as a guard, and also to afford assistance in case a waggon should break down.