Dictionary entry

Mall (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Mall (măl), n. [LL. mallum a public assembly; cf. OHG. mahal assembly, transaction; akin to AS. mæðel, meðel, assembly, mǣlan to speak, Goth. maþl market place.] Formerly, among Teutonic nations, a meeting of the notables of a state for the transaction of public business, such meeting being a modification of the ancient popular assembly. Hence: (a) A court of justice. (b) A place where justice is administered. (c) A place where public meetings are held.

Councils, which had been as frequent as diets or malls, ceased. Milman.