beldame

2 definitions found

beldame - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Beldam \Bel"dam\ Beldame \Bel"dame\, n. [Pref. bel-, denoting
     relationship + dame mother: cf. F. belledame fair lady, It.
     belladonna. See Belle, and Dame.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. Grandmother; -- corresponding to belsire.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              To show the beldam daughters of her daughter.
                                                    --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An old woman in general; especially, an ugly old woman; a
        hag.
  
     Syn: hag, beldam, witch, crone.
          [1913 Webster]
  
                Around the beldam all erect they hang. --Akenside.
          [1913 Webster]

beldame - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  beldame
      n 1: an ugly evil-looking old woman [syn: hag, beldam,
           beldame, witch, crone]
      2: a woman of advanced age [syn: beldam, beldame]