Showing Results for "beaux esprits"

See Also:

• plural of bel esprit.

beaux esprits

American  

[boh zes-pree] / boʊ zɛsˈpri /

Sometimes beaux-esprits

noun

French.

1. plural of bel esprit.

   In an era ironically called the Enlightenment, these young women were discouraged from becoming beaux esprits.

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Etymology

Origin of beaux esprits

First recorded in 1630–40; see origin at bel esprit ( def. )

Example Sentences

Sir Walter Raleigh, previously to his unfortunate engagement with Cobham and others, had instituted a meeting of beaux esprits at the Mermaid, a celebrated tavern in Friday Street.

From Inns and Taverns of Old London by Shelley, Henry C. (Henry Charles)

In these Memoirs, Fléchier relates an anecdote of a young lady “who was the Sappho of the country,” and greatly beloved by all the beaux esprits of the time. 

From Pascal by Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)

How frail are human ties, have said the beaux esprits of every age in one epigrammatic fashion or another.

From Gaslight Sonatas by Hurst, Fannie

"Four lines of this man make me dram more and occupy me more," she said, "than a complete work of our pretended beaux esprits."

From The Women of the French Salons by Mason, Amelia Ruth Gere

Are there yet more beaux esprits to arise who, in Epicurean fashion, enjoy the beautiful thoughts of others, whilst they themselves remain incapable for action, letting the time go out of joint?

From Shakspere and Montaigne by Feis, Jacob