stepdame

American  

[step-deym] / ˈstɛpˌdeɪm /

noun

Archaic.

1. a stepmother.

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stepdame British  

/ ˈstɛpˌdeɪm /

noun

1. an archaic word for stepmother

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Etymology

Origin of stepdame

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at step-, dame

Example Sentences

"That Nyseian isle, Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham, Whom Gentiles Ammon call, and Libyan Jove, Hid Amalthea and her florid son, Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Rhea's eye."

From Bulfinch's Mythology: the Age of Fable by Bulfinch, Thomas

She, guiltless damsel, flying the mad pursuit Of her enragéd stepdame, Guendolen, 830 Commended her fair innocence to the flood That stayed her flight with his cross-flowing course.

From Milton's Comus by Bell, William

Even the distinctions of rank and wealth and talents are all forgotten, and the inequalities of stepdame Fortune all forgiven, whilst the busy whirls of industry are bearing us onward to our goal.

From Caxton's Book: A Collection of Essays, Poems, Tales, and Sketches. by Rhodes, W. H. (William Henry)

"Well, then, dost think I should make a fitting stepdame for Bartholomew and Mary and Remember?"

From Standish of Standish A story of the Pilgrims by Austin, Jane G. (Jane Goodwin)

As false As air, as water, as wind, as sandy earth; As fox to lamb; as wolf to heifer's calf; Pard to the hind, or stepdame to her son.

From Handy Dictionary of Poetical Quotations by Various