O.E. macian, from W.Gmc. *makojanan (cf. O.S. makon, O.Fris. makia "to build, make," M.Du. maken, O.H.G. mahhon, Ger. machen), from PIE *mag- "to knead, mix, make" (see
may). Sense evolution probably is via prehistoric houses built of mud. Gradually replaced the main O.E. word,