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Beldam beldame

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)

Origin: Pref. Bel-, denoting relationship _ dame mother: cf. F. Belledame fair lady, It. Belladonna. See Belle, and dame.