embonpoint
[French ahn-bawn-pwan]
- excessive plumpness; stoutness.
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Origin of embonpoint
From French, dating back to 1655–65, literally, in good condition
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
obeseportlyburlyfleshybeefyblimpbulkyfatgrossheavyheftyhuskylargelustyoverblownoverweightplumproly-polyrotundstoutExamples from the Web for embonpoint
Contemporary Examples
Long taunted for his embonpoint, polite French for tubbiness, the affable pol used to garner dessert-inspired nicknames.
French President Francois Hollande’s Inability to Tie a Necktie Earns France’s ScornTracy McNicoll
November 10, 2012
Historical Examples
The Russians had a great taste for her, owing to her embonpoint.
"There 's nothing like wickedness for embonpoint, padre," said Nina, laughing.
The Daltons, Volume I (of II)Charles James Lever
She was tall and majestic, and she had all the charms of embonpoint.
Political Women (Vol. 1 of 2)Sutherland Menzies
He indicated his embonpoint again, and shook his head wrathfully.
A Black AdonisLinn Boyd Porter
She disliked his gaiety, his reputation, his rude health, his embonpoint.
Original Short Stories, Volume 9 (of 13)Guy de Maupassant
embonpoint
- plumpness or stoutness
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- plump; stout
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Word Origin
C18: from phrase en bon point in good condition
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for embonpoint
n.
"plumpness," 1751, from French embonpoint (16c.), from Old French en bon point, literally "in good condition."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper