char-à-banc

American  

[shar-uh-bang, -bangk, sha-ra-bahn] / ˈʃær əˌbæŋ, -ˌbæŋk, ʃa raˈbɑ̃ /

Or charabanc

noun

British.

plural

char-à-bancs

1. a large bus used on sightseeing tours, especially one with open sides and no center aisle.

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Etymology

Origin of char-à-banc

1810–20; back formation from French char-à-bancs literally, car with benches, the -s being taken as plural ending of word as a whole

Example Sentences

A char-à-banc will be at the door at half-past ten to-morrow, good people.

From Sisters Three by Lloyd, Stanley

It was the moment that a passing char-à-banc chose to strike into The Song.

From A Diversity of Creatures by Kipling, Rudyard

The char-à-banc had now reached Bowness, and, for the first time, she ventured a glance into her companion’s face.

From Sisters Three by Lloyd, Stanley

"You were lucky to be able to go all the way by char-à-banc," commented Mrs. Cameron.

From The Jolliest School of All by Brazil, Angela

The wait was short, and Mr. Geary was still mounting the steps of his char-à-banc when Magdaléna sat forward with a faint exclamation.

From The Californians by Atherton, Gertrude Franklin Horn