beadswoman, bedes woman

[From plural of Eng. bead (q.v.), and woman.] A woman similarly engaged, and still more frequently than in the case of the opposite sex, living in an almshouse. "And honour done to your poor bedes -woman." Ben Jonson: Sad Shepherd, ii. 6. (Richardson.) bead-ý, a . [Eng. bead ; -y.] 1. Like a bead, small and glittering. (Used of eyes.) 2. Covered with drops or beads (as of perspiration). 3. Frothy.