bon ton

[ bon ton; French bawn tawn ]

/ ˈbɒn ˈtɒn; French bɔ̃ ˈtɔ̃ /

good or elegant form or style.

something regarded as fashionably correct: The bon ton in this circle is to dress well and know influential people.

fashionable society.

Origin of bon ton

1765–75; < French: literally, good tone. See boon², tone

Emmerich was not a common mender of "old soles," but was the shoemaker to the bon-ton of Baltimore.

Between the Lines |Henry Bascom Smith
Oh, bright divinity, why hide those radiant charms in sylvan shades, when charms of fashion and bon-ton beckon you away!

The Art of Amusing |Frank Bellew
Who entered here, though his brow were tall and his spirit strong, left his bon-ton behind.

The Army Mule and Other War Sketches |Henry A. Castle
Shelby drifted back to the main street and found the Bon-Ton Grocery where it had been when he deserted the wagon.

In a Little Town |Rupert Hughes

Lonely in his selfishness was he left to breathe out the small soul of a man of bon-ton!

Godolphin, Complete |Edward Bulwer-Lytton

bon ton

/ French (bɔ̃ tɔ̃) /

sophisticated manners or breeding

fashionable society

literally: good tone