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bawd

noun
\ ˈbȯd How to pronounce bawd (audio) \

Definition of bawd

1 obsolete : pander
2a : one who keeps a house of prostitution : madam
b : prostitute
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Examples of bawd in a Sentence

in the 17th century the port was a notorious hangout for Caribbean pirates and their bawds

Recent Examples on the Web

 Two rival madams—based on real historical characters—are fighting each other for a customer base: earthy bawd Mrs. Margaret Wells and elegant, conniving Mrs. Lydia Quigley. — Viv Groskop, Newsweek, "Review: New Drama Series 'Harlots' Takes on the Oldest Profession in Riotous Fashion," 21 Mar. 2017

First Known Use of bawd

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bawd

Middle English bawde

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