mullock

[ muhl-uhk ]

noun

1. (in Australasia) refuse or rubbish, as rock or earth, from a mine; muck.

mullock

/ ˈmʌlək /

noun

1. waste material from a mine
2. dialect.
   a mess or muddle
3. poke mullock at informal.
   to ridicule

Derived Forms

• ˈmullocky, adjective

Other Words From

• mullock·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mullock¹

1350–1400; originally dialectal English; Middle English mullok, equivalent to mul dust, mold, rubbish (compare Old English myl dust; vowel perhaps from Middle English mullen; mull ⁴ ) + -ok -ock

Word History and Origins

Origin of mullock¹

C14: related to Old English myl dust, Old Norse mylja to crush; see muller

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. poke mullock at, Australian. to ridicule.

Example Sentences

"We'd better get down and clear out some of the mullock," he said.

From Project Gutenberg

And diggers came up with their flannels and moleskins yellow and heavy, and dripping with wet 'mullock'.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, aw'll mak a mullock o' thee i' two minnits if tha doesn't shut up!

From Project Gutenberg

Aw've had nowt to do wi' th' orderation o' this mullock, an' if ther's owt lost aw'll pay for it.

From Project Gutenberg

There was nothing the matter with Rum-Enough but a dislike of shifting mullock if he could get anyone to shift it for him.

From Project Gutenberg