the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
"The mail truck arrived early today, leaving a long line of unsorted sacks on the porch for the neighbors to collect."
the system whereby messages are transmitted via the post office
"the mail handles billions of items every day"
"he works for the United States mail service"
"in England they call mail `the post'"
a conveyance that transports the letters and packages that are conveyed by the postal system
"The mail arrived at midnight, bringing much-needed supplies to our isolated village."
(Middle Ages) flexible armor made of interlinked metal rings
"The knight donned his mail before charging into battle, hoping the interlinked rings would protect him from arrows."
A bag or wallet.
"The collector was thrilled to find an authentic sixteenth-century mail tucked inside the rusted tin chest."
Armour consisting of metal rings or plates linked together.
An old French coin worth half a denier.
In plain English: Mail is letters and packages that are sent through the postal service to be delivered to people's homes.
"I put the letters in the mailbox on my way to work."
Usage: Use "mail" as a noun to refer to letters and packages sent through the postal system, such as an email or regular mail. Do not use this word when referring to the obsolete French coin, which is a much rarer historical term.
To send (a letter, parcel, etc.) through the mail.
"The blacksmith spent all day hammering iron plates onto the knight's tunic to mail him for the upcoming tournament."
To arm with mail.
In plain English: To mail something means to send it through the postal service so someone else can receive it.
"I will mail the package to my sister today."
Usage: Use "mail" as a verb to mean sending letters or packages through the postal service, not to equip someone with armor. When referring to clothing, use the noun "armor" instead.
The word "mail" comes from Old French and Germanic roots that originally meant a bag or pouch. It traveled into English to describe the metal plates used in armor, which were carried in such bags before being worn on the body.