Master Mahan
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Master Mahan is a title assumed first by Cain and later by his descendant Lamech, according to the Book of Moses, a Latter-day Saint book of scripture.
The exact meaning of the title is unknown, but it apparently refers to having made a secret pact with the devil. After Satan promises to obey Cain and to assist him in murdering his brother Abel, Cain says, "Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain," and is thereafter known as Master Mahan (Moses 5:31). Later, Lamech the son of Methusael also "entered into a covenant with Satan, after the manner of Cain, wherein he became Master Mahan, master of that great secret which was administered unto Cain by Satan" (Moses 5:49).
A footnote to Moses 5:31 in the LDS edition of Pearl of Great Price states that "'Mind,' 'destroyer,' and 'great one' are possible meanings of the roots evident in 'Mahan,'" but no specific roots are cited. (Maha means "great one" in Hindi, but there is no reason to think Cain or Moses would have been familiar with that language.) Skeptics, noting the anti-Masonic sentiments prevalent in Joseph Smith's day, have suggested that the title may be a modification of Master Mason.
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