bel-esprit
[ bel-es-pree ]
/ bɛl ɛsˈpri /
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noun, plural beaux-es·prits [boh-zes-pree]. /boʊ zɛsˈpri/. French.
a person of great wit or intellect.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for bel-esprit
bel esprit
/ French (bɛl ɛspri) /
noun plural beaux esprits (boz ɛspri)
a witty or clever person
Word Origin for bel esprit
literally: fine wit
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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