baisemain
See also: baise-main
French
Alternative forms
- baise-main
Etymology
From baiser + main.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /bɛz.mɛ̃/
Audio (file)
Noun
baisemain m (plural baisemains)
- (historical) in feudalism, homage which the vassal used to give to the fief seigneur, by kissing his hand
- à belles baisemains (archaic) ― with great submission
- polite manner to greet or leave a lady, by kissing her hand, hand-kissing
Further reading
- “baisemain”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.