Definition of beldam

< belch

beleaguer >

bel·dam or bel·dame    (bldm, -dm) KEY 

NOUN:

An old woman, especially one who is considered ugly.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, grandmother : bel, indicating respect (from Old French bel, fine, from Latin bellus; see deu-² in Indo-European roots) + dame, lady ; see dame