mezz

See also: mezz'

English

Etymology 1

Named after American jazz musician Mezz Mezzrow (1899–1972) who introduced Mexican marijuana to the Harlem jazz scene.

Noun

mezz

1. (dated slang) Marijuana.

   Synonyms: mighty mezz; see also Thesaurus:marijuana

   • a. 1936, Stuff Smith (lyrics and music), “If You're a Viper”:

     Dreamed about a reefer five feet long / Mighty Mezz, but not too strong / You'll be high but not for long / If you're a viper

References

• “mezz n.”, in Green’s Dictionary of Slang, Jonathon Green, 2016–present

Etymology 2

Adjective

mezz (not comparable)

1. (finance, informal) Of or relating to mezzanine financing.
   • 2009, Asiamoney, volume 20, page 34:

     Mezz finance deals are typically structured as either an unsecured or subordinated (junior) note, or as preferred stock issues, and they frequently involve greater leverage levels than would be countenanced even in high-yield bond deals.

Lombard

Etymology

From Latin medius. Cognates include Italian mezzo and Portuguese meio.

Noun

mezz

1. the middle

Maltese

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian mezzo, from Latin medius.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /mɛt͡s/

Noun

mezz m (plural mezzi)

1. a means (device, method)

Derived terms

• permezz