BRIDGET, SAINT (453-523), one of the patron saints of Ireland, was born at Fochart, in county Louth, her father being a prince of Ulster, and her mother a bondmaid. Bridget and her mother were sold to a wizard, who brought up the little girl, and on being converted by her to Christianity, gave her back her freedom. Thereupon she returned to her father's house, where she gave so many of his goods to the poor that on her refusal to marry he tried to sell her to the king of Ulster. The latter was so struck by her piety that he freed her from parental control, and she founded a church and monastery at Kildare. She died on Feb. r, which is celebrated as her feast day. Under the name of St. Bride she became a favourite saint in England, and numer ous churches were also dedicated to her in Scotland.