Bel"dam, Bel"dame (?), n. [Pref. bel-, denoting relationship + dame mother: cf. F. belledame fair lady, It. belladonna. See Belle, and Dame.]

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.

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