For forms see BED and FELLOW.
1. One who shares a bed with another; also fig.
1478. Sir J. Paston, Lett., III. 235. [He] hathe entryd the maner of Scolton uppon your bedffelawe Conyerse.
1571. Ascham, Scholem. (1863), 96. John Whitneye, a yong jentleman, was my bedfeloe.
1610. Shaks., Temp., II. ii. 42. Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellowes.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 90, ¶ 7. My Bed-fellows left me about an Hour before Day.
1834. J. Wilson, Noct. Ambr., xxxv. Wks. 1864, IV. 102. Tickler. I request to have Fang for my bed fellow.
† 2. spec. A husband or wife; a concubine. Obs.
1490. Plumpton Corr., 89. My simple bedfelow, your bedewoman and servant … recomendeth hir unto your mastership.
1564. P. Moore, Hope Health, Ep. Ded. 9. Vnto your worship, and to my good Ladie your bedfellowe.
1579. Fulke, Ref. Rastel, 725. Haue not some Popish Priestes such seruants and bedfellowes also?
1684. Contempl. State Man, I. vi. (1699), 61. Altho’ she had a great Dowry, none would covet such a Bed-fellow.
