bas bleu

/ bɑ blø /

noun

1. a bluestocking; intellectual woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of bas bleu¹

C18: from French translation of English bluestocking

Example Sentences

He is himself a plain practical man, who has no sympathy with the bas bleu movement.

From Project Gutenberg

She always reminds me of the pretty bas bleu immortalized by the 'Spectator'—or is it the 'Tattler'?

From Project Gutenberg

Au reste, she has nothing of the bas bleu about her, and is very quiet and agreeable.

From Project Gutenberg

The epithet bas bleu (blue stocking) would soon bring them back to the common crowd—an ignorant and frivolous feminine mass.

From Project Gutenberg

The author smacks not of the bas bleu; she is a simple woman in the truest sense of the word, and a regal grande dame as well.

From Project Gutenberg