The word “bawd” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still important to understand its definition and meaning. In this article, we will explore the origin of the word, its various definitions, and how it is used in different contexts.
Definitions
A bawd is a woman who runs a brothel or who procures women for prostitution. The term can also refer to a man who does the same thing. In some cases, the term can also be used to describe a woman who is considered to be lewd or immoral.
Origin
The word “bawd” has its roots in Middle English, where it was used to describe a woman who was in charge of a brothel. The word is believed to have originated from the Old French word “baud,” which means “pimp.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition of bawd is “a woman who keeps a brothel or procures women for prostitution.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a woman who runs a brothel or is a prostitute.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes a bawd as “a woman who controls prostitutes and makes money from their work.”
Associations
The word “bawd” is often associated with the sex trade and prostitution. It is also associated with immorality and lewdness.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bawd include madam, procuress, pimp, and brothel owner.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bawd, but some opposite terms could be moral, virtuous, or chaste.
The same root words
The word “bawd” shares its root with other words related to prostitution, such as “pimp” and “prostitute.”
Example Sentences
- The police arrested the bawd who was running the brothel.
- The bawd procured young girls for the wealthy men of the city.
- The woman was accused of being a bawd because of her lewd behavior.
- The madam of the brothel was a notorious bawd in the city.
- The bawd was sentenced to ten years in prison for her involvement in the sex trade.