[syn: beldam, beldame]
The 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]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
beldame
n 1: an ugly evil-looking old woman [syn: hag, beldam,
beldame, witch, crone]
2: a woman of advanced age [syn: beldam, beldame]