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magdalen

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

Definition of magdalen

1 : a reformed prostitute
2 : a house of refuge or reformatory for prostitutes

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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