Matter \Mat"ter\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Mattered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Mattering}.] 1. To be of importance; to import; to signify. It matters not how they were called. --Locke. 2. To form pus or matter, as an abscess; to maturate. [R.] ``Each slight sore mattereth.'' --Sir P. Sidney.