Etymology

Derived from "Biddy", diminutive form of Bridget.

Came to be generic name for an Irish maid (US), and then an old woman.

See citations page for more explanation.

Noun

1. a woman, especially an old woman; especially one regarded as fussy or mean or a gossipy busybody.
2. (limited use) an attractive little girl
3. (Colloq) - An Irish serving woman or girl.
4. A name used in calling a hen or chicken, often as "biddybiddybiddy".
   • 1915 Burgess, Thornton W., The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel, Little, Brown, and Company, Boston, Ch. XI:

     "Well, we'll see about it by and by," said Farmer Brown's boy. "There's the breakfast bell, and I haven't fed the biddies yet."

Etymology

Derived from "Biddy", diminutive form of Bridget.

Came to be generic name for an Irish maid (US), and then an old woman.

See citations page for more explanation.

Noun

1. a woman, especially an old woman; especially one regarded as fussy or mean or a gossipy busybody.
2. (limited use) an attractive little girl
3. (Colloq) - An Irish serving woman or girl.
4. A name used in calling a hen or chicken, often as "biddybiddybiddy".
   • 1915 Burgess, Thornton W., The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel, Little, Brown, and Company, Boston, Ch. XI:

     "Well, we'll see about it by and by," said Farmer Brown's boy. "There's the breakfast bell, and I haven't fed the biddies yet."

Etymology

Derived from "Biddy", diminutive form of Bridget.

Came to be generic name for an Irish maid (US), and then an old woman.

See citations page for more explanation.

Noun

1. a woman, especially an old woman; especially one regarded as fussy or mean or a gossipy busybody.
2. (limited use) an attractive little girl
3. (Colloq) - An Irish serving woman or girl.
4. A name used in calling a hen or chicken, often as "biddybiddybiddy".
   • 1915 Burgess, Thornton W., The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel, Little, Brown, and Company, Boston, Ch. XI:

     "Well, we'll see about it by and by," said Farmer Brown's boy. "There's the breakfast bell, and I haven't fed the biddies yet."