What does "ma" mean?

Ma: [Hind.] In Oriental countries, a respectful form of address given to a woman; mother. Balfour (Cyc. of India).

Additional senses

  1. 2.But; -- used in cautionary phrases; as, "Vivace, ma non troppo presto" (i. e., lively, but not too quick). Moore (Encyc. of Music).

Sources