bonavist

[ bon-uh-vist ]

noun

1. hyacinth bean.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonavist¹

First recorded in 1690–1700, bonavist is from the Italian word buonavista good sight. See bonus, vista

Example Sentences

They was men from Green Bay, an’ Bonavist’, an’ the Exploits, an’ the South Coast, an’ a swarm o’ Irish from St. John’s; they was so many men on the pack, ecod! that you couldn’t call their names.

From Project Gutenberg

And these distressful appearances would by day and night increase, as we passed the Funks, came to Bonavist’ Bay, left 46 the Bacalieu light behind and rounded the Brandy Rocks, until, instead of a rotund, twinkling old sea-dog, with a gargoylish countenance, with which the spirit had nothing to do, there landed on the wharf at the city a swaggering, wrathy pirate, of devilish cast and temper, quick to flush and bluster, mighty in profanity, far gone in drink.

From Project Gutenberg

Bonavist’ Bay, says he, put in for rest: a seventy-tonner, put out on the favoring wind.

From Project Gutenberg