subs. (old Scots’ colloquial).—1. A decapitating machine.
1715. PENNECUIK, Description of Tweeddale, pp. 16–17. Which fatal instrument, at least the pattern thereof, the cruel Regent [Earl Morton] had brought from abroad to behead the Laird of Pennecuik of that ilk, who notwithstanding died in his bed, and the unfortunate Earl was the first himself that handselled that merciless MAIDEN.
1849. MACAULAY, The History of England, v. The rude, old guillotine of Scotland, called the MAIDEN.
1890. Pall Mall Gazette, 7 March, p. 2. col 1. A young Scotch gentleman of good birth, named ‘A. Balfour,’ was executed by an instrument called the MAIDEN.
2. (colloquial).—In cricket, an over with no runs; in racing, a horse which has never run. Also as adj.: as, a MAIDEN-speech, a MAIDEN-attempt, etc.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. MAIDEN-SESSIONS, when none are hanged.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.
1882. Daily Telegraph, 2 Jan. The conditions contain no allowance for MAIDENS.
