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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BEDE-HOUSE, n. “An alms-house” (Mry.1 1925). [′bid′hus]Bnff. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIII. 412:
There is a bede-house still in being, though in bad repair; and six bede-men on the establishment, but none of them live in the house.

[O.Sc. (from 1559) bedhous, beidhous, id.; O.E. gebedhūs, lit. a house of prayer because the inhabitants were supposed to pray for the souls of the founders; O.E. gebed, a prayer, cogn. with biddan, to pray.]

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