bise

/ biːz /

noun

1. a cold dry northerly wind in Switzerland and the neighbouring parts of France and Italy, usually in the spring

Word History and Origins

Origin of bise¹

C14: from Old French, of Germanic origin; compare Old Swedish bīsa whirlwind

Example Sentences

"Quand la bise fut venue" means without doubt the month of November or December.

From Project Gutenberg

But the cold bise was still blowing, and Julie, shivering, drew her wrap closer round her.

From Project Gutenberg

To-day new silk brise-bise appeared on the second floor, and a glimpse of a branching palm.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ronce de Bise furrows its fawn-colored dress with dark bands.

From Project Gutenberg

The mistral and the bise, when they really set to work, are a scourge.

From Project Gutenberg