beguine

¹

[ buh-geen ]

noun

1. a dance in bolero rhythm that originated in Martinique.
2. a modern social dance based on the beguine.
3. music for either of these dances.

Beguine

²

[ beg-een, bey-geen, buh-geen ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. a member of a lay sisterhood, founded in Liège in the 12th century.

beguine

¹

/ bɪˈɡiːn /

noun

1. a dance of South American origin in bolero rhythm
2. a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance
3. a variant of biggin 1

Beguine

²

/ ˈbɛɡiːn /

noun

1. a member of a Christian sisterhood that was founded in Liège in the 12th century, and, though not taking religious vows, followed an austere life

Word History and Origins

Origin of beguine¹

1930–35; < French (West Indies) béguine, feminine derivative of béguin biggin ¹, trifling love affair

Origin of beguine²

1350–1400; Middle English begyne < Middle French beguine, said to be after Lambert (le) Begue (the stammerer), founder of the order; -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of beguine¹

C20: from Louisiana French, from French béguin flirtation

Origin of beguine²

C15: from Old French, perhaps after Lambert le Bègue (the Stammerer), 12th-century priest of Liège, who founded the sisterhood

Example Sentences

The first song I remember thinking “that is incredible” about was a song called “Begin the Beguine.”

From The Daily Beast

I was transported into this place where the Beguine was happening, whatever that was.

From The Daily Beast

It is pleasant to look at the smiling, cheerful old Beguine, and think no more of yonder livid face.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, to make matters worse, there came that sad Affair of the Beguine.

From Project Gutenberg

This, by some mischief-making Persons, was held to be highly compromising to the Fair Beguine.

From Project Gutenberg

On the third day she rendered her, with her own hands, every service for which she had formerly needed a Beguine's aid.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile it had grown dark, and the Beguine Paulina brought in a two-branched candelabrum with burning candles.

From Project Gutenberg