beardom

English

Etymology

bear +‎ -dom

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈbɛədəm/

Noun

beardom (usually uncountable, plural beardoms)

1. The state, essence, or quality of being a bear (the mammal).
   • 1995, Philip Pullman, Northern Lights:

     There were two kinds of beardom opposed here, two futures, two destinies.

2. The state of being a bear (in homosexual subculture).

   Coordinate term: twinkdom