Bead /(bēd)/

Bead

n.
  1. A prayer. [Obs.]
  2. A little perforated ball, to be strung on a thread, and worn for ornament; or used in a rosary for counting prayers, as by Roman Catholics and Muslims, whence the phrases to tell beads, to be at one's beads, to bid beads, etc., meaning, to be at prayer.
  3. Any small globular body (Arch.)

Phrases & Compounds
Bead and butt
framing in which the panels are flush, having beads stuck or run upon the two edges.
Bead mold
a species of fungus or mold, the stems of which consist of single cells loosely jointed together so as to resemble a string of beads.
Bead tool
a cutting tool, having an edge curved so as to make beads or beading.
Bead tree
a tree of the genus Melia, the best known species of which (Melia azedarach), has blue flowers which are very fragrant, and berries which are poisonous.

Bead

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Beaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Beading

  1. To ornament with beads or beading.

Bead

v. i.
  1. To form beadlike bubbles.