beau ideal

noun

plural

beaus ideal, beaux ideal, beau ideals. 

1. a conception of perfect beauty.

2. a model of excellence.

beau idéal

/ bo ideal /

noun

1. perfect beauty or excellence

Word History and Origins

Origin of beau ideal¹

First recorded in 1795–1805, beau ideal is from French beau idéal literally, “ideal beauty.” See beau, ideal

Word History and Origins

Origin of beau ideal¹

literally: ideal beauty