bef
Dutch edit
Pronunciation edit
Etymology 1 edit
From Middle Dutch beffe (“cap, collar”), from Old French biffe. Further origin uncertain. Compare German Beffchen.
Noun edit
bef f (plural beffen, diminutive befje n)
- (archaic) collar
- an ornamental pair of bands worn hanging over the chest, notably as part of formal dress by magistrates, professors and certain Catholic and Protestant clergy
- by analogy, any of certain other similar objects
- a patch on the throat or chest of a different color on cats or dogs
- (slang) the vulva
Derived terms edit
Etymology 2 edit
Noun edit
bef f (plural beffen, diminutive befje n)
- a nickname for an unspecified small Dutch coin
Etymology 3 edit
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Verb edit
bef
- inflection of beffen:
Mauritian Creole edit
Etymology edit
Noun edit
bef
References edit
- Baker, Philip & Hookoomsing, Vinesh Y. 1987. Dictionnaire de créole mauricien. Morisyen – English – Français
Middle English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
From Anglo-Norman beof, Old French buef; ultimately from Latin bovem, accusative of bōs. Doublet of cou.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
bef (uncountable)
Descendants edit
References edit
- “bẹ̄f, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2018-04-03.
Seychellois Creole edit
Etymology edit
Noun edit
bef
References edit
- Danielle D’Offay et Guy Lionnet, Diksyonner Kreol - Franse / Dictionnaire Créole Seychellois - Français
Volapük edit
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
bef (nominative plural befs)