Bawd/bɔːd/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation The term 'bawd' often implies disapproval and carries a moral judgment. The townspeople spoke scornfully about the bawd's activities. Pro Tip 2/3Historical Usage 'Bawd' was more commonly used in historical contexts or literature. In historical novels, a bawd may appear as a character. Pro Tip 3/3Literary Context Appears in classic literature, less in modern writing. Shakespeare's plays sometimes reference a bawd.