{ Bel"dam 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.