Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » beguine

beguine

(bi gēn′)

noun

a rhythmic native dance of Martinique or its music

Origin: AmFr béguine < Fr béguin, infatuation, fancy (< phr. avoir un béguin pour, to have a fancy for); earlier, a child's cap with strings, orig., a nun's cap < OFr Béguine: see Beguine

noun

a member of certain lay sisterhoods, not under permanent vows, begun in the Low Countries in the 12th cent.

Origin: MFr beguine < OFr < begard: see beg

See beguine in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A ballroom dance similar to the rumba, based on a dance of Martinique and St. Lucia.
The music for this dance.

Origin:

Origin: French (West Indies) béguine

Origin: , from French béguin, hood, flirtation

Origin: , from beguine, Beguine; see Beguine

noun
Roman Catholic Church

A member of any of several lay sisterhoods founded in the Netherlands in the 13th century.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English begine

Origin: , from Old French beguine

Origin: , from Middle Dutch beg-

Origin: , root of beggaert, one who rattles off prayers

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD