An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language / in which the words are explained in their different senses, authorized by the names of the writers by whom they are used, or the titles of the works in which they occur, and deduced from their originals

by John Jamieson

Germ. bed-en; Germ. ge-bet, prayer. Hence O. E. bidde, and the phrase, to bidde prayers, to ask, to solicit them.

BEDE-HOUSE, s. A term used for an alms-house, S. B.
Statist. Acc.

BEDE-MAN, BEIDMAN, s.
1. A person who resides in a bede-house, or is supported from the funds appropriated for this purpose, S.
Statist. Acc.
2. In the Court of Exchequer, this term is used to denote one of that class of paupers who enjoy the royal bounty. The designation has originated from some religious foundation, in times of popery. Bedman occurs in O. E.
V. [Assoilyie], sense 3.

The origin is A. S. bead, a prayer. Hence, says Verstegan, the name of Beads, "they being made to pray on, and Beadsman."

BEDYIT, part. pa. Dipped.
Douglas.

A. S. deag-an, tingere.

BEDOYF, part. pa. Besmeared, fouled.
Douglas.

Su. G. doft, dupt, pulvis; or A. S. bedof-en, submersus, dipped.

BEDOWIN, part. pa.
Douglas.

Rudd. expl. bedowyne, besmeared, deriving it from Belg. bedauwen, to bedew, or sprinkle.