bawd

[ bawd ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. a woman who maintains a brothel; madam.
2. a prostitute.
3. a procuress.

bawd

/ bɔːd /

noun

1. a person who runs a brothel, esp a woman
2. a prostitute

Word History and Origins

Origin of bawd¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English bawde, noun use of Middle French baude, feminine of baud “jolly, dissolute,” from West Germanic; compare Old English bald bold

Word History and Origins

Origin of bawd¹

C14: shortened from Old French baudetrot , from baude feminine of baud merry + trot one who runs errands; compare Old High German bald bold