Mestri.--A title of Semmans and other Tamil classes. The Panan tailors are said to be also called Mestris. Concerning the word mestri, or maistry, Yule and Burnell write as follows. [43] "This word, a corruption of the Portuguese Mestre, has spread into the vernaculars all over India, and is in constant Anglo-Indian use. Properly a foreman, a master-worker. In W. and S. India maistry, as used in the household, generally means the cook or the tailor." Mettu Kamsali.--A synonym of Ojali blacksmith, Mettu means shoes or sandals. Mhallo.--A name for Konkani barbers. Midathala (locust).--An exogamous sept of Boya and Madiga. Middala or Meddala (storeyed house).--An exogamous sept of Padma Sale. Midichi (locust).--A gotra of Kurni. Mila.--The Milas are a fishing caste in Ganjam and Vizagapatam, for the following note on whom I am indebted to Mr. C. Hayavadana Rao. The name Milavandlu, by which they are commonly known, means fishermen. They also call themselves Odavandlu, because they go out to sea, fishing from boats (oda). When they become wealthy, they style themselves Oda Balijas. The caste is divided into numerous exogamous septs, among which are dhoni (boat), and tota (garden). The custom of menarikam, according to which a man should marry his maternal uncle's daughter, is in force, and a man may also marry his sister's daughter. Girls are generally married after puberty. Gold jewellery is presented in lieu of money as the bride-price (voli). On the occasion of a marriage, half a dozen males and females go to the house of the bride, where they are entertained at a feast. She is conducted to the home of the bridegroom. A plank is placed at the entrance to the house, on which the bride and bridegroom take their seats. After they have bathed, new cloths are presented to them, and the old ones given to the barber. They then sit once more on the plank, and the caste headman, called the Ejaman, takes up the sathamanam (marriage badge), which is passed round among those assembled. It is finally tied by the bridegroom on the bride's neck. The remarriage of widows is recognised. Each village has an Ejaman, who, in addition to officiating at weddings, presides over council meetings, collects fines, etc. The caste goddess is Polamma, to whom animal sacrifices are offered, and in whose honour an annual festival is held. The expenses thereof are met by public subscription and private donations. The dead are burnt, and a Satani officiates at funerals. Death pollution is not observed. On the twelfth day after death, the pedda rozu (big day) ceremony is performed. The caste titles are Anna and Ayya. Milaku (pepper: Piper nigrum).--A tree or kothu of Kondaiyamkotti Maravans. Milikhan.--A class of Muhammadan pilots and sailors in the Laccadive Islands (see Mappilla). Minalavaru (fish people).--An exogamous sept of Bedar or Boya. Min (fish) Palli occurs as a name for Pallis who have settled in the Telugu country, and adopted fishing as their profession.