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Definitions for: Monkey
[n] any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)
[n] one who is playfully mischievous
[v] do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly; "The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house"
[v] fool or play around with; "Someone tampered with the documents on my desk"
Webster (1913) Definition: Mon"key, n.; pl. Monkeys. [Cf. OIt. monicchio, It.
monnino, dim. of monna an ape, also dame, mistress, contr.
fr. madonna. See Madonna.]
1. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) In the most general sense, any one of the Quadrumana,
including apes, baboons, and lemurs.
(b) Any species of Quadrumana, except the lemurs.
(c) Any one of numerous species of Quadrumana (esp. such
as have a long tail and prehensile feet) exclusive of
apes and baboons.
Note: The monkeys are often divided into three groups: (a)
Catarrhines, or Simid[ae]. These have an oblong
head, with the oblique flat nostrils near together.
Some have no tail, as the apes. All these are natives
of the Old World. (b) Platyrhines, or Cebid[ae].
These have a round head, with a broad nasal septum, so
that the nostrils are wide apart and directed downward.
The tail is often prehensile, and the thumb is short
and not opposable. These are natives of the New World.
(c) Strepsorhines, or Lemuroidea. These have a
pointed head with curved nostrils. They are natives of
Southern Asia, Africa, and Madagascar.
2. A term of disapproval, ridicule, or contempt, as for a
mischievous child.
This is the monkey's own giving out; she is
persuaded I will marry her. --Shak.
3. The weight or hammer of a pile driver, that is, a very
heavy mass of iron, which, being raised on high, falls on
the head of the pile, and drives it into the earth; the
falling weight of a drop hammer used in forging.
4. A small trading vessel of the sixteenth century.
Monkey boat. (Naut.)
(a) A small boat used in docks.
(b) A half-decked boat used on the River Thames.
Monkey block (Naut.), a small single block strapped with a
swivel. --R. H. Dana, Jr.
Monkey flower (Bot.), a plant of the genus Mimulus; -- so
called from the appearance of its gaping corolla. --Gray.
Monkey gaff (Naut.), a light gaff attached to the topmast
for the better display of signals at sea.
Monkey jacket, a short closely fitting jacket, worn by
sailors.
Monkey rail (Naut.), a second and lighter rail raised about
six inches above the quarter rail of a ship.
Monkey shine, monkey trick. [Slang, U.S.]
Monkey trick, a mischievous prank. --Saintsbury.
Monkey wheel. See Gin block, under 5th Gin.
Monkey wrench, a wrench or spanner having a movable jaw.
Mon"key, v. t. & i.
To act or treat as a monkey does; to ape; to act in a
grotesque or meddlesome manner.
To monkey with, to handle in a meddlesome manner. [Colloq.]
Synonyms: imp, mess around, monkey around, muck about, muck around, potter, putter, rapscallion, rascal, scalawag, scallywag, scamp, tamper, tinker
See Also: brat, child, fry, holy terror, kid, little terror, manipulate, minor, nestling, New World monkey, nipper, Old World monkey, primate, puddle, shaver, small fry, terror, tiddler, tike, tyke, work, youngster
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