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magdalen

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noun, often capitalized mag·da·len \ˈmag-də-lən\
variants: or

magdalene

play \-ˌlēn\

Definition of magdalen

  1. 1 :  a reformed prostitute

  2. 2 :  a house of refuge or reformatory for prostitutes

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Origin and Etymology 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)

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