marplot

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mar·plot

(mär′plŏt′)

An officious meddler whose interference compromises the success of an undertaking.

[After Marplot, , a character in The Busy Body, a play by Susannah Centlivre (1669-1723).]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

marplot

(ˈmɑːˌplɒt)

a person who interferes with, or spoils, a plot or plan

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

mar•plot

(ˈmɑrˌplɒt)

n.

a person who spoils a plot, design, or project by meddling.

[1700–10]

marplot

- A person who spoils a plot or who ruins the success of an undertaking or process.

See also related terms for success.

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success

References in classic literature ?

A restless movement from Laurie suggested that his chair was not easy, or that he did not like the plan, and made the old man add hastily, "I don't mean to be a marplot or a burden.

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Consequently, when the Reverend Frank had willingly engaged that he and his wife would accompany Lightwood back, he said, as a matter of course: 'We must make haste to get out, Margaretta, my dear, or we shall be descended on by Mrs Sprodgkin.' To which Mrs Milvey replied, in her pleasantly emphatic way, 'Oh YES, for she IS such a marplot, Frank, and DOES worry so!' Words that were scarcely uttered when their theme was announced as in faithful attendance below, desiring counsel on a spiritual matter.

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('Which you haven't, you Marplot,' observed my aunt, in an indignant whisper.)

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