beguine

[ buh-geen ]
/ bəˈgin /

noun

a dance in bolero rhythm that originated in Martinique.
a modern social dance based on the beguine.
music for either of these dances.

Origin of beguine

1930–35; < French (West Indies) béguine, feminine derivative of béguin biggin1, trifling love affair

Words nearby beguine

Definition for beguine (2 of 2)

Beguine
[ beg-een, bey-geen, buh-geen ]
/ ˈbɛg in, ˈbeɪ gin, bəˈgin /

noun Roman Catholic Church.

a member of a lay sisterhood, founded in Liège in the 12th century.

Origin of Beguine

1350–1400; Middle English begyne < Middle French beguine, said to be after Lambert (le) Begue (the stammerer), founder of the order; see -ine1

Example sentences from the Web for beguine

British Dictionary definitions for beguine (1 of 2)

beguine
/ (bɪˈɡiːn) /

noun

a dance of South American origin in bolero rhythm
a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance
a variant of biggin 1

Word Origin for beguine

C20: from Louisiana French, from French béguin flirtation

British Dictionary definitions for beguine (2 of 2)

Beguine
/ (ˈbɛɡiːn) /

noun

a member of a Christian sisterhood that was founded in Liège in the 12th century, and, though not taking religious vows, followed an austere life

Word Origin for Beguine

C15: from Old French, perhaps after Lambert le Bègue (the Stammerer), 12th-century priest of Liège, who founded the sisterhood