Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
MAY
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French mai, from Latin Maius, from Maia, Roman goddess
Date: 12th century
the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, the early vigorous blooming part of human life ; prime , the festivities of may Day,
4. not capitalized green or flowering branches used for may Day decorations, a plant that yields may: as, hawthorn , a spring-flowering spirea,
II. biographical name Sir Thomas Erskine 1815-1886 1st Baron