BAWD

Meaning

One who keeps a brothel, or procures women for prostitution; a procurer or madam.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- Proto-Indo-European *-tós Proto-Indo-European *bʰóltosder. Proto-Germanic *balþaz Frankish *balþbor. Old French baudbor. Middle English bawde English bawd From Middle English bawde, baude, from Old French baud (“bold, lively, jolly, gay”). Doublet of bold. An association with Welsh bawddyn (“dirty fellow, scoundrel”), from baw (“dirt”), was suggested by the Rev. Henry Todd.

Synonyms & Antonyms

NYT Puzzle Appearances

No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2020.