Proper noun

1. A diminutive of Mary or Mavis, also used as a formal female given name.

Quotations

• 1880 Emily Faithfull, The Victoria Magazine, v.36 (July-Dec 1880), page 264

  When they are used to express the affectionate regard of near friends and relatives they also may be pretty and appropriate, but they look very silly in a formal signature, and surely do not befit the dignity of womanhood. We had, for instance, among these 800 names scores of Minnies, Mamies, and only here and there a Mary, a much more euphonious as well as a dignified name.