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)

1. (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

2. 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.