beldam

• Veraltetes Substantiv für eine alte Frau, oft abwertend im Sinne von hässlich oder bösartig, oder einfach für eine betagte Frau.

An archaic noun referring to an old woman, often with connotations of ugliness or evil, or simply a woman of advanced age.

1. Ugly or evil-looking old womanC2formalbritish

   An old woman who is considered ugly, frightening, or malicious in appearance.

   Alte Vettel

   • The story described a beldam who lived in a dark forest.
   • In the fairy tale, the beldam cast a spell on the princess.
   • The children were afraid of the beldam who lived at the edge of the village.

   Synonymecronegorgonhagharpywitch

   Antonymebeautybellegirlmaiden

2. Woman of advanced ageC2formalbritish

   An old woman, often used in a neutral or respectful sense to refer to a woman of great age.

   Alte Frau

   • The beldam shared her wisdom with the younger generation.
   • A kind beldam lived in the cottage by the river.
   • The village beldam was known for her knowledge of herbs.

   Synonymecronedamehagmatriarch