Beldam
/ˈbɛl.dəm/noun
An old woman, especially one considered ugly or malicious; also a hag or witch.
Did you know?Beldam is a contraction of a respectful phrase for an elder woman, and in English it was eventually twisted into an insult for an ugly or malevolent old woman.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
ME
beldame
“A term of respect for an old woman; literally 'beautiful lady' or 'fine dame'.”
14th Century
French
belle dame
“Beautiful lady; a polite address for a woman.”
Latin
Lat
bella
“Beautiful, fair.”
Middle English
ME
dame
“Lady, woman of rank, or mother; from French dame.”
Modern English
English
beldam
“An old woman, especially one regarded as ugly, haggard, or witch-like.”