may

I. verbal auxiliary (past might; present singular & plural may) Etymology: Middle English (1st & 3d singular present indicative), from Old English mæg; akin to Old High German mag (1st & 3d singular present indicative) have power, am able (infinitive magan), and perhaps to Greek mēchos means, expedient Date: before 12th century 1. a. archaic have the ability to b. have permission to <

you may go now

> ; be free to <

a rug on which children may sprawl — C. E. Silberman

> — used nearly interchangeably with can c. — used to indicate possibility or probability <

you may be right

> <

things you may need

> — sometimes used interchangeably with can <

one of those slipups that may happen from time to time — Jessica Mitford

> — sometimes used where might would be expected <

you may think from a little distance that the country was solid woods — Robert Frost

> 2. — used in auxiliary function to express a wish or desire especially in prayer, imprecation, or benediction <

long may he reign

> <

may the best man win

> 3. — used in auxiliary function expressing purpose or expectation <

I laugh that I may not weep

> or contingency <

she'll do her duty come what may

> or concession <

he may be slow but he is thorough

> or choice <

the angler may catch them with a dip net, or he may cast a large, bare treble hook — Nelson Bryant

> 4. shall, must — used in law where the sense, purpose, or policy requires this interpretation Usage: see can II. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English mǣg kinsman, kinswoman, maiden Date: before 12th century archaic maiden