bel esprit
Americannoun
-
beaux esprits
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of bel esprit
First recorded in 1630–40; French: literally, “fine mind, wittiness”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The remnants beyond the threshold were from an estate that belonged to George Bucknam Dorr, a Boston lawyer, philanthropist, trail builder, bel esprit and a founder of Acadia National Park.
From New York Times ● Aug. 8, 2014
She defined a popular abbe who posed for a bel esprit, as a "fool rubbed all over with wit."
From The Women of the French Salons by Amelia Ruth Gere Mason
It is said that this poet, critic, bel esprit, and courtly favorite, whom Rousseau calls "the daintiest pedant in the world," was never swayed by any emotion whatever.
From The Women of the French Salons by Amelia Ruth Gere Mason
It is like him; he poses as a bel esprit.
From Half A Chance by Frederic Stewart Isham
No matter how clever or brilliant she may be, she does not seek tenir salon like the French female bel esprit.
From The Galaxy, May, 1877 Vol. XXIII.—May, 1877.—No. 5. by Various
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