Beldam \Bel"dam\ Beldame \Bel"dame\, 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]

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

beldame

Source: WordNet (r) 2.0
 

Beldam \Bel"dam\ Beldame \Bel"dame\, n. [Pref. bel-, denoting relationship + dame mother: cf. F. belledame fair lady, It. belladonna. See Belle, and Dame.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)