- mead (1)
- "fermented honey drink," O.E. medu, from P.Gmc. *meduz (cf. O.N. mjöðr, Dan. mjød, O.Fris., M.Du. mede, Ger. Met "mead"), from PIE base *medhu- "honey, sweet drink" (cf. Skt. madhu "sweet, sweet drink, wine, honey," Gk. methy "wine," O.C.S. medu, Lith. medus "honey," O.Ir. mid, Welsh medd, Breton mez "mead"). Synonymous but unrelated early M.E. meþeglin yielded Chaucer's meeth.
- mead (2)
- "meadow," O.E. mæd "meadow," from P.Gmc. *mædwon (cf. Du. made, Ger. Matte "meadow," O.E. mæþ "harvest, crop"), from PIE *metwa-, from base *me- "mow" (see mow).