magdalen

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmagdəlɪn/

noun

  • (the Magdalen or the Magdalene) St Mary Magdalene.
  • archaic a reformed prostitute.
  • archaic a home for reformed prostitutes.

Origin:

late Middle English: via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek (Maria hē) Magdalēnē '(Mary of) Magdala' (to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection; John 20:1–18), formerly identified with the sinner of Luke 7:37