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

One vexing problem is the return to England from France of Kate’s thoroughly unpleasant and secretive mother, determined to found a house of beguines — women who live together in religious communities but are not nuns.

From Seattle Times

There is a particularly fine chapter on the beguines, a sisterhood that wasn’t an order of nuns but rather a community of women, who — without men — worked and lived together.

From Washington Post

The beguines were communities run by and for single women and they form part of a wonderful section on the choices and chances open to women left at home by their travelling menfolk.

From Economist

There are sometimes as many as seven hundred beguines assembled in the church.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides these, the deaconesses of the Rhine and the beguines of Flanders have acquired an imperishable record in history for their philanthropic efforts.

From Project Gutenberg