Bead

bēd, n. a little ball pierced for stringing, a series of which forms the rosary or paternoster , used in counting the prayers recited: any small ball of gla , amber, . strung in a series to form a necklace: a bead-like drop: the small knob of metal forming the front-sight of a gun—whence the American ism, To draw a bead upon = to take aim at: ( arch it. ) a narrow moulding with semicircular section.— v.t. to furnish with beads.— v.i. to form a bead or beads.— adj. Bead′ed , furnished with beads.— ns. Bead′-house , a house for poor people who were required to pray for the soul of the founder: an almshouse; Bead′ing , a moulding in imitation of beads.— adj. Bead′-proof , of such proof or strength as to carry beads or bubbles when shaken, as alcoholic liquors.— ns. Bead′-roll , in pre-Reformation times, a roll or list of the dead to be prayed for, hence a list of names, a long series: a rosary; Beads′man , Bedes′man , one employed to pray for others, or one endowed to do so: ( Scot. ) a public alms-man or licensed beggar:— fem. Beads′woman .— adj. Bead′y , bead-like, small and bright (of eyes): covered with beads or bubbles.— To say , tell , count one's beads , to offer a prayer. [A.S. bed , gebed , a prayer, from biddan , to pray. See Bid .]