What is "beldames"

Usage examples of "beldames".

Between two games of boston, or out walking in the Jardin Turc, the old beldames with whom the widow gossiped all day had succeeded in rousing in their friend's stony heart some scruples as to her former life, some visions of the future, some fears of hell, and some hopes of forgiveness if she should return in sincerity to a religious life.

What with one thing and another, it is such an exceptionally good wicket for beldames.