noun

1. Obsolete a wick or cord prepared to burn at a uniform rate, used for firing guns or explosives
2. a slender piece of wood, cardboard, waxed cord, etc. tipped with a composition that catches fire by friction, sometimes only when rubbed on a specially prepared surface

Etymology: ME macche < OFr mesche, wick of a candle, match < VL *micca, prob. altered (by assoc. with muccare, to snuff a candle, orig., to blow one's nose < L mucus, mucus) < L myxa < Gr, lamp wick, lit., nasal discharge, akin to L mucus