See Also: magdalen(dictionary)
Magdalen Islands(encyclopedia)
Magdalen Bridge(dictionary)

magdalen (iou)



magdalen noun. . LME.
[ecclesiastical Latin (Maria) Magdalena, -lene from Greek (Mariae) Magdalene (Mary) of Magdala, a town in ancient Palestine. Cf. MAUDLIN noun.]
Christian Church. the Magdalen, Mary Magdalen, a follower of Jesus to whom he appeared after his resurrection (John 20:1-18), in the West commonly identified with the sinner of Luke 8:37 and represented in hagiology as a reformed prostitute elevated to sanctity by repentance and faith. Cf. MAUDLIN noun 1. LME.
b. A representation of Mary Magdalen in art. M17.
transf. A repentant female sinner; esp. a reformed prostitute. M16.
b. Hist. A home for the refuge and reformation of prostitutes. Also magdalen home, magdalen hospital, etc. Cf. MAUDLIN noun 3. M18.
An old variety of peach. Cf. MAUDLIN noun 4. Long rare. E18.
magdalenism noun prostitution M19.