{ } n. [ Pref. bel-, denoting relationship + dame mother: cf. F. belledame fair lady, It. belladonna. See Belle, and Dame. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Grandmother; -- corresponding to belsire. [ 1913 Webster ]

To show the beldam daughters of her daughter. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An old woman in general; especially, an ugly old woman; a hag.
Syn. -- hag, beldam, witch, crone. [ 1913 Webster ]

Around the beldam all erect they hang. Akenside. [ 1913 Webster ]