masse
UK[mæs]US[mæs]
n
A stroke in billiards or pool made by hitting the cue ball off-center with the cue held nearly vertically, causing the ball to move in a curve.
Etymology
The term 'masse' entered English in the 19th century directly from French, specifically from the jargon of billiards. The French verb 'masser' in this context derives from the noun 'masse', meaning 'mace' or 'heavy hammer', which itself originates from Latin 'massa' meaning 'lump, mass'. The semantic connection lies in the action: the vertical, hammer-like stance of the cue and the concentrated, forceful impact on the cue ball to create a mass of spin, causing its curved, non-linear path. Thus, the word's journey from a Latin term for a shapeless lump evolved into a French term for a heavy striking tool, and finally specialized into the name for this particular, deft billiards stroke.
Analysis
The word 'masse' is a loanword from French, adopted as a whole into English. It is not productively segmented using English morphemes. In its source, it is the feminine form of the past participle 'massé' (meaning 'made a massé shot') from the French verb 'masser' in this specific sporting sense.
Examples
He won the match with an incredible masse shot around the obstructing ball.
Executing a successful masse requires precise control and a lot of practice.
The player elevated his cue to nearly vertical to attempt the difficult masse.