bel esprit

[ bel es-pree ]

noun

, French.

, plural beaux es·prits [boh zes-, pree].

1. a person of great wit or intellect:

   He found this charming bel esprit, not among his university colleagues, but in the person of a young widow on the outskirts of town.

bel esprit

/ bɛl ɛspri /

noun

1. a witty or clever person

Word History and Origins

Origin of bel esprit¹

First recorded in 1630–40; French: literally, “fine mind, wittiness”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bel esprit¹

literally: fine wit

Example Sentences

The remnants beyond the threshold were from an estate that belonged to George Bucknam Dorr, a Boston lawyer, philanthropist, trail builder, bel esprit and a founder of Acadia National Park.

From New York Times

Lord Philip Bellairs?—A proper gentleman; no fault in him; a bel esprit and an elegant courtier; pleased many, no doubt, but he did not please her overmuch.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor's catechist has little bel esprit, but much saint esprit, much honesty, much truth, too much soft-heartedness, and infinite love.

From Project Gutenberg

Cavalier exiles like Waller, Cowley and Hobbes had come back from the winter of their discontent in Paris, and Saint-Evremond, the typical bel esprit and critic, settled long in England.

From Project Gutenberg

No matter how clever or brilliant she may be, she does not seek tenir salon like the French female bel esprit.

From Project Gutenberg