bawme

Middle English

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Anglo-Norman, Middle French baume, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum. Doublet of balsamum.

Alternative forms

• balsme, bame, basme, baum, baume, bawm

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbau̯m(ə)/, /ˈbaːm(ə)/

Noun

bawme (plural bawmes)

1. The aromatic resin of trees of the genus Commiphora; balsam.
2. A soothing ointment, especially one containing balsam.
3. One of several herbs believed to invigorate.
4. (figurative) A substance that refreshes or invigorates.
5. (rare) A tree of the genus Commiphora.
6. (rare) A liquid or ointment for embalming.
7. (rare) Lamp oil impregnated with balsam.

Related terms

• bawmen
• enbawmen

Descendants

• English: balm
• Scots: baum

References

• “baume, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.

Etymology 2

Verb

bawme

1. Alternative form of bawmen