BEDESWOMAN Meaning and
Definition
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A bedeswoman is a term traditionally used to refer to a woman who is devoted to prayer and religious work within a convent or religious community. Also known as a beadswoman, bede-woman, or bede-sister, a bedeswoman is typically an elderly or infirm woman who has committed her life to a religious order or institution.
Originating from Old English, the term "bede" refers to prayer or a petition, indicating that a bedeswoman is specifically dedicated to fervent and consistent supplication. These women would spend significant amounts of time engaged in prayer, often reciting the rosary or saying the Divine Office on behalf of others. They would fulfill important spiritual functions within their communities, providing intercessory prayers for the wellbeing and salvation of others.
Bedeswomen were usually chosen from among widows or older unmarried women who had experienced middle to lower incomes. They would often live within the religious establishment and receive support in the form of food, clothing, and shelter in exchange for their devotion to prayer. Bedeswomen were highly regarded for their piousness and were recognized as being instrumental in sustaining the spiritual welfare of their religious community.
Although the term "bedeswoman" is less commonly used in contemporary language, it serves as a reminder of the historical role and significance of deeply devout women who dedicated their lives to religious observance and prayerful intercession.
Common Misspellings for BEDESWOMAN
- vedeswoman
- nedeswoman
- hedeswoman
- gedeswoman
- bwdeswoman
- bsdeswoman
- bddeswoman
- brdeswoman
- b4deswoman
- b3deswoman
- beseswoman
- bexeswoman
- beceswoman
- befeswoman
- bereswoman
- beeeswoman
- bedwswoman
- bedsswoman
- beddswoman
Etymology of BEDESWOMAN
The word "Bedeswoman" is derived from Middle English "bedewoman", which was composed of two elements: "bede" and "woman".
The term "bede" in Old English referred to a prayer or a request. It ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bidjaną", meaning "to pray" or "to beg". Over time, "bede" came to specifically denote a prayer offered on behalf of someone's soul, particularly in religious contexts.
The word "woman" is derived from Old English "wīfmann", which combines "wīf" (woman) and "mann" (person).
So, "bedeswoman" can be understood as a compound noun, referring to a woman who offers prayers or intercessions on behalf of others, often within a religious context.
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