Dictionary entry

Maudlin

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Maud″lin (?), a. [From Maudlin, a contr. of Magdalen, OE. Maudeleyne, who is drawn by painters with eyes swelled and red with weeping.] 1. Tearful; easily moved to tears; exciting to tears; excessively sentimental; weak and silly. “Maudlin eyes.” Dryden.Maudlin eloquence.” Roscommon. “A maudlin poetess.” Pope.Maudlin crowd.” Southey.

2. Drunk, or somewhat drunk; fuddled; given to drunkenness.

Maudlin Clarence in his malmsey butt. Byron.