Main Entry: ¹bead

Pronunciation: \ˈbēd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English bede prayer, prayer bead, from Old English bed, gebed prayer; akin to Old English biddan to entreat, pray — more at bid

Date: before 12th century

1 a obsolete : prayer —usually used in plural b plural : a series of prayers and meditations made with a rosary
2 : a small piece of material pierced for threading on a string or wire (as in a rosary)
3 plural a : rosary b : a necklace of beads or pearls
4 : a small ball-shaped body: as a : a drop of sweat or blood b : a bubble formed in or on a beverage c : a small metal knob on a firearm used as a front sight d : a blob or a line of weld metal
5 : a projecting rim, band, or molding
6 : a precise knowledge or understanding —used in such phrases as get a bead on