malkin

n.

[Dim. of Maud, the proper name. Cf. Grimalkin.]
[Written also maukin.]

1. Originally, a kitchenmaid; a slattern. Chaucer.

2. A mop made of clouts, used by the kitchen servant.

3. A scarecrow. [Prov. Eng.]

4. (Mil.) A mop or sponge attached to a jointed staff for swabbing out a cannon.

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(MO-kin, MAL-kin)

noun
1. An untidy woman; a slattern.
2. A scarecrow or a grotesque effigy.
3. A mop made of a bundle or rags fastened to a stick.
4. A cat.
5. A hare.

Etymology
From Middle English Malkyn (little Molly), diminutive of the name Maud or Molly/Mary

A related word is grimalkin, referring to an old female cat or an ill-tempered old woman.

Usage
"And speaking o' cats, gray malkins hunt through the forest as well." — Cecilia Dart-Thornton; The Battle of Evernight; Aspect; 2003.

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Brit. 1) an untidy woman: slattern; 2) cat; hare