Also Aftermowth; see AFTER- in comb. II. [AFTER- 6 + MATH mowing.] Second or later mowing; the crop of grass that springs up after the mowing in early summer. Also attrib. (See also AFTERGRASS, AFTERCROP.)

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1523.  Fitzherbert, Surveying, 2. Yet hath the lorde the Edysshe and the aftermathe hym selfe for his owne catell.

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1601.  Holland, Pliny (1634), I. 506. The grasse will be so high growne, that a man may cut it down and haue a plentiful after-math for hay.

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1631.  G. Markham, Way to Wealth, iii. II. vi. (1668), 149. Eddish, or After-math-cheese.

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1673.  Marvell, Rehears. Transp., ii. Wks. II. 251. The after-math seldom or neuer equals the first herbage.

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1834.  Southey, Doctor, cli. (1862), 391. No aftermath has the fragrance and the sweetness of the first crop.

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1856.  Patmore, Angel in House (1866), II. IV. iv. Among the bloomless aftermath.

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1860.  Farmers’ Mag., LII. 242/1. Thus treated I would calculate on a good aftermath, to be either sold or used in the yards.

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  2.  fig.

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a. 1658.  Cleveland, To Mr. T. C., 21.

        Rash Lover speak, what Pleasure hath
Thy Spring in such an Aftermath?

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1851.  H. Coleridge, Ess. & Marg., II. 13. The aftermath of the great rebellion.

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1878.  Masque of Poets, 135. I am one that hath Lived long and gathered in Life’s aftermath.

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