beldam

[ bel-duhm, -dam ]

noun

1. an old woman, especially an ugly one; hag.
2. Obsolete. grandmother.

beldam

/ ˈbɛldəm /

noun

1. archaic.
   an old woman, esp an ugly or malicious one; hag
2. an obsolete word for grandmother

Word History and Origins

Origin of beldam¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, equivalent to bel- “grand-” (from Middle French bel, belle “fine, good-looking”) + dam “mother”; beau, belle, dam ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of beldam¹

C15: from bel- grand (as in grandmother ), from Old French bel beautiful, from Latin bellus + dam mother, variant of dame

Example Sentences

“Oh, keep going,” whispered a ghost voice in her ear, “for the beldam is angry.”

From Literature

The old beldam called him, and thought him, the shrewdest boy that ever lived; but, in truth, she had left him no longer a boy, in aught but size and looks.

From Project Gutenberg

"Well, well, scornful mistress Lena, you may rue," replied the beldam.

From Project Gutenberg

"That beldam!" he exclaimed, with a terrible oath, and then, "God help them!" he said--twice.

From Project Gutenberg

To show the beldam daughters of her daughter.

From Project Gutenberg