beaux

A group of beaux gather near the ballroom entrance.

Definition

1. Noun (plural of ):
   • A man who is a woman's admirer or suitor: "beaux" refers to men who are romantically interested in a woman, often courting her.
   • A dandy or a man who is overly concerned with fashion: "beaux" can describe men who dress elegantly and are preoccupied with their appearance.
   • A male escort or companion: In social contexts, "beaux" may refer to men who accompany women to events.

Usage Examples

• As suitors:
  • She had several beaux vying for her attention at the ball. (Multiple men were trying to win her romantic interest.)
• As fashionable men:
  • The beaux of the 18th century wore powdered wigs and silk stockings. (Fashion-conscious men of that era dressed elaborately.)
• As escorts:
  • Her beaux always brought her flowers before the dance. (Her male companions brought gifts before the event.)

Advanced Usage

• "The beaux of the season": a phrase referring to the most fashionable or sought-after men in a particular social period.
  • The beaux of the season were invited to all the exclusive parties. (The most admired men of that time were in high demand.)
• "A beaux' arts": an archaic term for fine arts, but note this is a separate compound; "beaux" here retains its meaning of elegant or refined.
  • He studied the beaux arts in Paris. (He studied fine arts, with "beaux" implying refinement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Beau (singular): a man who is a woman's admirer or a dandy.
  • Her beau proposed to her under the moonlight. (Her suitor proposed.)
• Beauteous (adj): beautiful (related to the French root "beau").
  • The beauteous landscape reminded him of his beaux. (The beautiful scene reminded him of his admirers.)

Synonyms

• Suitors: men who court a woman.
• Dandies: men who are overly concerned with fashion.
• Admirers: men who express romantic interest.

Related Idioms

• To have many beaux: to be popular with male admirers.
  • She had many beaux, but she chose the one who made her laugh. (She had multiple suitors but selected one.)
• Beau monde: the fashionable world or high society (from French, meaning "beautiful world").
  • He was a regular at the beau monde's gatherings. (He frequented high-society events.)