Old English; earliest use found in Harley Glossary. Cognate with Middle Dutch māde (Dutch made), Old Saxon maðo (Middle Low German māde), Old High German mado (Middle High German made, German Made), Gothic maþa; compare also Norwegian (Nynorsk) mad fish fry, sawdust; probably related to the Germanic base of moth, although the exact relationship is difficult to explain phonologically; further etymology uncertain.