BEAD

n. v.

8 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

1.
n.

A prayer. [Obs.]

2.
n.

A little perforated ball, to be strung on a thread, and worn for ornament; or used in a rosary for counting prayers, as by Roman Catholics and Mohammedans, whence the phrases to tell beads, to at one's beads, to bid beads, etc., meaning, to be at prayer.

3.
n.

Any small globular body; as,

4.
n.

A bubble in spirits.

5.
n.

A drop of sweat or other liquid. "Cold beads of midnight dew." Wordsworth.

6.
n.

A small knob of metal on a firearm, used for taking aim (whence the expression to draw a bead, for, to take aim).

7.
v.

To ornament with beads or beading.

8.
v.

To form beadlike bubbles.

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