beldame : Idioms & Phrases

Bel"dam Bel"dame noun

Etymology

Pref. bel-, denoting relationship + dame mother: cf. F. belledame fair lady, It. belladonna. See Belle, and Dame.

Definitions

1. Grandmother; -- corresponding to belsire.

   To show the beldam daughters of her daughter. Shak.

2. An old woman in general; especially, an ugly old woman; a hag.

   Around the beldam all erect they hang. Akenside.

Webster 1913