Dictionary.com

bawd

[ bawd ]
/ bɔd /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for bawd on Thesaurus.com
noun Archaic.
a woman who maintains a brothel; madam.
a prostitute.
a procuress.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of bawd

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English bawde, noun use of Middle French baude, feminine of baud “jolly, dissolute,” from West Germanic; compare Old English bald bold

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH bawd

baud, bawd

Words nearby bawd

bavarois, baveux, bavin, bawbee, bawcock, bawd, bawdry, bawdy, bawdyhouse, bawl, bawling
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to bawd

courtesan, doxy, harlot, hussy, pro, prostitute, streetwalker, strumpet, tart, tramp, trollop, whore, call girl, camp follower, lady of pleasure, lady of the night, scarlet woman, working girl

How to use bawd in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bawd

bawd
/ (bɔːd) /
noun archaic
a person who runs a brothel, esp a woman
a prostitute

Word Origin for bawd

C14: shortened from Old French baudetrot, from baude feminine of baud merry + trot one who runs errands; compare Old High German bald bold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK