1. an old woman, especially one who is ugly or unpleasant
Usage: archaic; often derogatory
2. grandmother
Usage: archaic; obsolete

Examples

• The village children were frightened by the old beldame who lived in the cottage.
• In fairy tales, the beldame often serves as the antagonist.
• The beldame cackled as she stirred her mysterious brew.
• Medieval literature frequently featured a beldame as a wise but fearsome character.
• The term beldame was once used more neutrally to refer to one’s grandmother.
• Shakespeare’s plays sometimes included a beldame character for dramatic effect.