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Synonyms for beldam

Grammar : Noun
Spell : bel-duh m, -dam
Phonetic Transcription : ˈbɛl dəm, -dæm

Définition of beldam

Origin :
  • "aged woman," 1570s; earlier "grandmother" (mid-15c.), from dame (q.v.) in the sense of "mother" + bel-, Middle English prefix expressing relationship (cf. belfader, belsire "grandfather"), from Old French bel, belle "beautiful, fair, fine" (see belle). This "direct relationship" sense of bel is not found in French, where the prefix is used to form words for in-laws.
  • noun ugly woman
Example sentences :
  • To which, after some Perswasion to the contrary, the venerable Beldam waited on her.
  • Extract from : « The Works of Aphra Behn » by Aphra Behn
  • "He's only doing it to make sure I'm not a beldam," said Gwen innocently.
  • Extract from : « When Ghost Meets Ghost » by William Frend De Morgan
  • "This is a make-peace fashion of thine," said the beldam, relaxing into a smile.
  • Extract from : « Rob of the Bowl, Vol. I (of 2) » by John P. Kennedy
  • "Sir Robert has himself written me about that beldam," said the chamberlain.
  • Extract from : « Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland » by Various
  • The beldam sat with her face towards Rodolph and the brigand.
  • Extract from : « The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 1 of 6 » by Eugne Sue
  • Thou liest again: 'twill be at Moorgate, beldam, where I shall see thee in the ditch dancing in a cucking-stool.
  • Extract from : « A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 12 (of 15) » by Robert Dodsley
  • The beldam chuckled to herself, and saw money to come of it, if she winked skilfully enough, and at the right time.
  • Extract from : « A Likely Story » by William De Morgan
  • Whence our old word Beldam, the more courteous meaning of which is all but lost in its ironical one.
  • Extract from : « La Sorcire: The Witch of the Middle Ages » by Jules Michelet
  • So leaving the image on the table, he strode towards the opposite door, which he opened wide, followed by the beldam.
  • Extract from : « Tales of the Wonder Club, Volume II » by Alexander Huth
  • Sad to tell, the beldam still held in her hand his special pride and care, his tail.
  • Extract from : « Nature Myths and Stories for Little Children » by Flora J. Cooke

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019