An archaic term for a word or utterance that serves as an omen or has prophetic significance; a word believed to foretell the future.
Compound of 'bode' (foretell) and 'word' (utterance), an Old English or Middle English formation reflecting the belief that certain words held magical or prophetic power.
The concept of 'bodewords' reflects ancient beliefs that words themselves could be magical—people genuinely thought certain utterances could predict or even control the future, which is why swearing and curses were taken so seriously!
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