Basque


one of a people of unknown origin inhabiting the western Pyrenees regions in France and Spain.
their language, not known to be related to any other language.
(lowercase) a close-fitting bodice, sometimes having an extension that covers the hips.
(lowercase) the extension of this bodice or of a doublet.
of or relating to the Basques or their language.
Contemporary Examples

Hell, they could have been the Basque ETA or the ultra right wing U.S. militia.
They’re Winning Steve Emerson November 30, 2008

Hemingway and his first wife Hadley went from the Basque country to Pamplona over the Pyrenees by bus.
Is This Hemingway’s Pamplona or a Lot of Bull? Clive Irving July 12, 2014

As we pulled back the sheets the bed was full of confetti in the Basque colors, red, white and green.
Is This Hemingway’s Pamplona or a Lot of Bull? Clive Irving July 12, 2014

Mugaritz, in the Basque country in Spain, specializes in molecular gastronomy and is one of my favorite restaurants.
Fresh Picks Patti Jackson December 21, 2009

Aznar jumped to conclusions, quickly blaming Basque separatist organization ETA for the al Qaeda attack.
French Police Mount a Massive Manhunt for Killer of 3 Children, Teacher Tracy McNicoll March 19, 2012

Historical Examples

Probably visited a hundred years earlier by Basque and Breton fishermen, and possibly by the Northmen several centuries before.
The Makers of Canada: Index and Dictionary of Canadian History Various

The obvious thing was to question the Basque as to long-ago events.
Louisiana Lou William West Winter

Here and there a fair-haired Basque studied his hand meantime, waiting without protest.
Nostromo: A Tale of the Seaboard Joseph Conrad

She was talking low to herself, but she spoke in Basque which he did not understand.
Louisiana Lou William West Winter

The younger boys wore broad, turn-down collars and had short, square jackets made somewhat in the Basque fashion.
The Secret Glory Arthur Machen

noun
a short extension below the waist to the bodice of a woman’s jacket, etc
a tight-fitting bodice for women
noun
a member of a people of unknown origin living around the W Pyrenees in France and Spain
the language of this people, of no known relationship with any other language
adjective
relating to, denoting, or characteristic of this people or their language

1817 (adj.), 1835 (n.), from French, from Spanish vasco (adj.), from vascon (n.), from Latin Vascones (Vasconia was the Roman name for the up-country of the western Pyrenees), said by von Humboldt to originally mean “foresters” but more likely a Latinized version of the people’s name for themselves, euskara or eskuara.

This contains a basic element -sk- which is believed to relate to maritime people or sailors, and which is also found in the name of the Etruscans …. [Room, “Placenames of the World,” 2006]

Earlier in English was Basquish (1610s, noun and adjective); Baskles (plural noun, late 14c.); Baskon (mid-15c.).

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