hors concours

[ awr kawn-koor ]

adjective

, French.

1. noting an artist, architect, or the like, not competing or not qualified to compete for the prizes in an exhibit or competition.
2. noting or pertaining to a work or project submitted by such a person to an exhibit or competition.

hors concours

/ ɔr kɔ̃kur /

adjective

1. (of an artist, exhibitor, etc) excluded from competing
2. without equal; unrivalled

Word History and Origins

Origin of hors concours¹

Literally, “out (of the) competition”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hors concours¹

literally: out of the competition

Example Sentences

H'm, I met a "hors concours" who knew, and I was quite prepared to witness a scene when I came in here.

From Project Gutenberg

The sculptured groups would be received any day hors concours in the Salons for their technique only.

From Project Gutenberg

Lenbach had not only an eye and a hand, but likewise elbows and a tongue which placed him hors concours.

From Project Gutenberg

The Germans as unconscious humorists maintain their supremacy hors concours.

From Project Gutenberg

The greater number were hors concours, for Alphonsine's was to the aged courtesan what Chelsea Hospital is to the aged soldier.

From Project Gutenberg