Advertisement

Advertisement

beguine

1

[ buh-geen ]

noun

  1. a dance in bolero rhythm that originated in Martinique.
  2. a modern social dance based on the beguine.
  3. music for either of these dances.


Beguine

2

[ beg-een, bey-geen, buh-geen ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.
  1. a member of a lay sisterhood, founded in Liège in the 12th century.

beguine

1

/ bɪˈɡiːn /

noun

  1. a dance of South American origin in bolero rhythm
  2. a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance
  3. a variant of biggin 1
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Beguine

2

/ ˈbɛɡiːn /

noun

  1. a member of a Christian sisterhood that was founded in Liège in the 12th century, and, though not taking religious vows, followed an austere life
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of beguine1

1930–35; < French (West Indies) béguine, feminine derivative of béguin biggin 1, trifling love affair

Origin of beguine2

1350–1400; Middle English begyne < Middle French beguine, said to be after Lambert (le) Begue (the stammerer), founder of the order; -ine 1
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of beguine1

C20: from Louisiana French, from French béguin flirtation

Origin of beguine2

C15: from Old French, perhaps after Lambert le Bègue (the Stammerer), 12th-century priest of Liège, who founded the sisterhood
Discover More

Example Sentences

The first song I remember thinking “that is incredible” about was a song called “Begin the Beguine.”

I was transported into this place where the Beguine was happening, whatever that was.

It is pleasant to look at the smiling, cheerful old Beguine, and think no more of yonder livid face.

Then, to make matters worse, there came that sad Affair of the Beguine.

This, by some mischief-making Persons, was held to be highly compromising to the Fair Beguine.

On the third day she rendered her, with her own hands, every service for which she had formerly needed a Beguine's aid.

Meanwhile it had grown dark, and the Beguine Paulina brought in a two-branched candelabrum with burning candles.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Beguinbegum