mez

n. [ F. mézéréon, Per. māzriyūn. ] (Bot.) A small European shrub (Daphne Mezereum), whose acrid bark is used in medicine. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ Sp. ] A mosque. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Heb. m&ebreve_;zūzōth, pl. of m&ebreve_;zūzāh doorpost. ] A piece of parchment bearing the Decalogue and attached to the doorpost; -- in use among orthodox Hebrews. The term is also used to refer to the small case containing this scroll, together with the biblical inscription inside. The text is usually taken from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

‖ [ It. See Mezzo; Majolica. ] (Ceramics) Italian pottery of the epoch and general character of majolica, but less brilliantly decorated, esp. such pottery without tin enamel, but painted and glazed. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ F. mezzanine, It. mezzanino, fr. mezzano middle, fr. mezzo middle, half. See Mezzo. ] 1. (Arch.) (a) Same as Entresol. (b) A partial story which is not on the same level with the story of the main part of the edifice, as of a back building, where the floors are on a level with landings of the staircase of the main house. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A flooring laid over a floor to bring it up to some height or level. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. Also
mezzanine floor. (Theat.) A floor under the stage, from which various contrivances, as traps, are worked. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. The lowest balcony in a theater, or the forward part of the first balcony. [ PJC ]

‖ [ It., fr. mezzo, fem. mezza middle, half + voce voice, L. vox. ] (Mus.) With a medium fullness of sound. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖a. [ It., from L. medius middle, half. See Mid, a. ] (Mus.) Mean; not extreme. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Mezzo-rilievo. [ 1913 Webster ]