beguine
- a dance in bolero rhythm that originated in Martinique.
- a modern social dance based on the beguine.
- music for either of these dances.
Origin of beguine
Beguine
- a member of a lay sisterhood, founded in Liège in the 12th century.
Origin of Beguine
Examples from the Web for beguine
Contemporary Examples
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.
Historical Examples
No one uttered a sound, and the Beguine did not move a step.
Louise de la ValliereAlexandre Dumas, Pere
A old Beguine was reading her breviary in an adjoining room.
The Beguine, thereupon, advanced a few steps towards the queen, and bowed reverently before her.
Louise de la ValliereAlexandre Dumas, Pere
Anne of Austria, joining gesture to the threat, advanced a couple of steps towards the Beguine.
Louise de la ValliereAlexandre Dumas, Pere
The Beguine, thereupon, advanced a few steps toward the queen, and bowed reverently before her.
The Vicomte de BragelonneAlexandre Dumas
beguine
- a dance of South American origin in bolero rhythm
- a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance
- a variant of biggin 1
Word Origin
Beguine
- 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
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for beguine
Beguine
n.
late 15c., from French béguine (13c.), Medieval Latin beguina, a member of a women's spiritual order said to have been founded c.1180 in Liege in the Low Countries. They are said to take their name from the surname of Lambert le Bègue "Lambert the Stammerer," a Liege priest who was instrumental in their founding, and it's likely the word was pejorative at first.
The order generally preserved its reputation, though it quickly drew imposters who did not; nonetheless it eventually was condemned as heretical. A male order, called Beghards founded communities by the 1220s in imitation of them, but they soon degenerated (cf. Old French beguin "(male) Beguin," also "hypocrite") and wandered begging in the guise of religion; they likely were the source of the words beg and beggar, though there is disagreement over whether Beghard produced Middle Dutch beggaert "mendicant" or was produced by it.
Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine" (1935) refers to a kind of popular dance of West Indian origin, from French colloquial béguin "an infatuation, boyfriend, girlfriend," earlier "child's bonnet," and before that "nun's headdress" (14c.), from Middle Dutch beggaert, ultimately the same word.