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Nov 14, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—B

Bess o' Bedlam

A female lunatic vagrant. Bedlam is a common name for a madhouse, and Bess is a national name for a woman, especially of the lower order. The male lunatic is a Tom o' Bedlam.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Bess of Hardwicke
Bess
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More on Bess o' Bedlam from Infoplease:

  • Bess o' Bedlam - Bess o' Bedlam A female lunatic vagrant. Bedlam is a common name for a madhouse, and Bess is a ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: B - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "B"
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