GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Mangle (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mangled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Mangling (?).] [A frequentative fr. OE. manken to main, AS. mancian, in bemancian to mutilate, fr. L. mancus maimed; perh. akin to G. mangeln to be wanting.]
1. To cut or bruise with repeated blows or strokes, making a ragged or torn wound, or covering with wounds; to tear in cutting; to cut in a bungling manner; to lacerate; to mutilate.
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Mangled with ghastly wounds through plate and mail. Milton.
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2. To mutilate or injure, in making, doing, or performing; as, “to mangle a piece of music or a recitation”.
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To mangle a play or a novel. Swift.
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