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.

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