Bĕl'dam or Bĕl'dame, n.

[Fr. belle-dame, fine or handsome lady; — a term of respectful address, therefore used to elderly people; hence the meaning was corrupted.]

1. Fair dame or lady. [Obs.] Spenser.
2. Grandmother, corresponding to belsire, grandfather.

To show the beldame daughters of her daughter. Shak. 3. An old woman in general, especially an ugly old woman; a hag. Around the beldam all erect they hang. Akenside.