bayadere

[ bahy-uh-deer, -der ]

noun

1. a fabric with horizontal stripes of brilliant colors.

bayadere

/ ˌbaɪəˈdɪə; -ˈdɛə /

noun

1. a dancing girl, esp one serving in a Hindu temple
2. a fabric or design with horizontal stripes, esp of a bright colour

adjective

1. (of fabric, etc) having horizontal stripes

Word History and Origins

Origin of bayadere¹

1855–60; < French: a professional female dancer of India < Portuguese bailadeira, feminine of bailador dancer ( baila ( r ) to dance ( ball ² ) + -dor < Latin -tor -tor ); apparently in reference to the fabrics worn by such dancers

Word History and Origins

Origin of bayadere¹

C18: via French from Portuguese bailadeira dancing girl, from bailar to dance, from Latin ballāre ; see ball ²

Example Sentences

Close by, a mat, as pretty as the bayadere who once lay upon it, still gave out a faint scent of sandal wood.

From Project Gutenberg

The reflection of a greater thing claimed her and taught her, held her like a bayadere in a temple court.

From Project Gutenberg

We also honored with our presence the bayadere communities, where only women dwell.

From Project Gutenberg

And Bettina, the bayadere, who imitates Mignon's egg-dance, has nothing whatever to do with work.

From Project Gutenberg

Bayadere, a dancing-girl in India, dressed in loose Eastern costume.

From Project Gutenberg