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beguine definition

be·guine (bi gēn′)

noun

a rhythmic native dance of Martinique or its music

Etymology: 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

Beguine definition

Beg·uine (beg′ēn′; Fr bā gēn′)

noun

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

Etymology: MFr beguine < OFr < begard: see beg

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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