stepdame

[ step-deym ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. a stepmother.

stepdame

/ ˈstɛpˌdeɪm /

noun

1. See stepmother
   an archaic word for stepmother

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepdame¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepdame¹

C14: from step- + dame (in the archaic sense: mother; see dam ²)

Example Sentences

The young brood (twelve in number) came into the world at the usual period, but one only continued with her stepdame.

From Project Gutenberg

Insomuch as it is hard to judge, whether in so doing she hath done the part of a kind mother, or a hard and cruell stepdame.

From Project Gutenberg

I haue a stepdame I warrant you, and myne husbandes mother euen such another.

From Project Gutenberg