magdalen

mag·da·len

noun, often capitalized \ˈmag-də-lən\

Definition of MAGDALEN

1

: a reformed prostitute

2

: a house of refuge or reformatory for prostitutes

Variants of MAGDALEN

mag·da·len or mag·da·lene \-ˌlēn\

Origin of MAGDALEN

Mary Magdalen or Magdalene woman healed by Jesus of evil spirits (Luke 8:2), considered identical with a reformed prostitute (Luke 7:36–50)

First Known Use: 1697