̈ɪmes n. & v. --n. 1 a
dirty or
untidy state of things (the
room is a mess). 2 a state of
confusion, embarrassment, or
trouble. 3
something causing a mess, e.g.
spilt liquid etc. 4 a
domestic animal's
excreta. 5 a a
company of persons
who take meals
together,
esp. in
the armed forces. b a
place where such meals or
recreation take place communally. c a meal taken
there. 6 derog. a
disagreeable concoction or
medley. 7 a liquid or
mixed food for hounds etc. 8 a
portion of liquid or pulpy food. --v. 1 tr. (often foll. by up) a
make a mess
of; dirty. b
muddle; make
into a state of confusion. 2 intr. (foll. by with)
interfere with. 3 intr. take one's meals. 4 intr. colloq.
defecate. ømake a mess of
bungle (an undertaking). mess
about (or around) 1
act desultorily. 2 colloq. make things
awkward for;
cause arbitrary inconvenience to (a person). mess-hall a
military dining
area. mess-jacket a
short close-fitting
coat worn at the mess. mess kit a soldier's
cooking and eating utensils. mess of
pottage a
material comfort etc. for
which something higher is sacrificed (Gen. 25:29-34). mess
tin a
small container as
part of a mess kit. [ME f. OF mes portion of food f. LL
missus course at
dinner,
past part. of mittere send]