brise-bise

[ breez-beez ]

noun

1. a short curtain, often of lace, hung on the lower section of a window.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brise-bise¹

1910–15; < French: literally, (it) breaks (the) wind ( brise 3rd-person singular present of briser to break; bise north wind)

Example Sentences

Behind the silken curtains and brise-bise of Number 14, the “Pampered Pet” had her residence.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pet’s bedroom was on the third storey of the house, and as its windows faced the gardens of the Square, she had a fancy for leaving them undraped, except for the narrow brise-bise over the lower panes.

From Project Gutenberg

To-day new silk brise-bise appeared on the second floor, and a glimpse of a branching palm.

From Project Gutenberg