a title given to kings, which frequently serves as a term of distinction. The word seems composed of the two Latin words, major, "greater," and status, "state." The emperor is called Sacred Majesty, Imperial Majesty, and Caesarian Majesty: The king of Hungary is styled His Apostolic Majesty. The king of Spain is termed His most Catholic Majesty: and the king of Portugal, His most Faithful Majesty. The king of France used to be called His most Christian Majesty; and when he treated with the emperor, the word Sacred was added: He was afterwards called simply King of the French. Bonaparte assumed the title of Emperor and King of France.—With respect to other kings, the name of the kingdom is added; as, His Britannic Majesty, His Prussian Majesty, &c. Formerly princes were more sparing in giving titles, and more modest in claiming them: before the reign of Charles V. the king of Spain had only the title of Highness; and before that of Henry VIII. the kings of England were only addressed under the titles of Grace and Highness.

Under the Roman republic, the title Majesty, (majestas) belonged to the whole body of the people, and to the principal magistrates; so that to diminish or wound the majesty of the commonwealth, was to be wanting in respect to the state or its ministers. But the power afterwards passing into the hands of a single person, the appellation of Majesty was transferred to the emperor and the imperial family. Pliny compliments Trajan on his being contented with the title of Greatness; and speaks very vividly of those who affected that of Majesty. And yet this last seems to be the most modest and just title that can be attributed to sovereigns, since it signifies no more than the royalty or sovereign power.

MAIL INDUCTIO, an ancient custom for the priest and people of country-villages to go in procession to some adjoining wood on a May-day morning; and return in a kind of triumph, with a May-pole, boughs, flowers, garlands, and other tokens of the spring. This May-game, or rejoicing at the coming of the spring, was for a long time observed, and still is in some parts of England; but there was thought to be so much heathen vanity in it, that it was condemned and prohibited within the diocese of Lincoln by the good old Bishop Groffthead.