bel esprit

American  

[bel es-pree] / bɛl ɛsˈpri /

Sometimes bel-esprit

noun

French.

plural

beaux esprits

1. a person of great wit or intellect.

   He found this charming bel esprit, not among his university colleagues, but in the person of a young widow on the outskirts of town.

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bel esprit British  

/ bɛl ɛspri /

noun

1. a witty or clever person

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Etymology

Origin of bel esprit

First recorded in 1630–40; French: literally, “fine mind, wittiness”

Example Sentences

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

Anton von Klein, a Jesuit bel esprit living at Mannheim, was a steadfast champion of the regular heroic tragedy.

From The Life and Works of Friedrich Schiller by Thomas, Calvin

Well might the weary courtiers cry out against les galeres du bel esprit.

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

Those who wrote for amusement were careful to disclaim the title of bel esprit, and their works usually reached the public through accidental channels.

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

It is like him; he poses as a bel esprit.

From Half A Chance by Isham, Frederic Stewart