"reformed prostitute," 1697, so called for Mary Magdalene, disciple of Christ (Luke viii.2), who is often identified with the penitent woman in Luke vii.37-50. See Magdalene.
Magdalene
fem. proper name, from L. (Maria) Magdalena, from Gk. Magdalene, lit. "woman of Magdala," from Aram. Maghdela, place on the Sea of Galilee, lit. "tower." The vernacular form of the name, via Fr., has come to Eng. as maudlin.
[mag-duh-leen, -luh
n, mag-duh-lee-nee] 