Beaux-esprits
plural of bel-esprit.
a person of great wit or intellect.
historical examples
the fourth or byzantine style of epigrammatic composition was cultivated by the beaux-esprits of the court of justinian.
encyclopaedia britannica, 11th edition, volume 2, slice 2 various
another source of torment to me not less considerable was that of the beaux-esprits of the ulemas of the city of khiva.
travels in central asia arminius vmbry
i perceive here will be a wit-combat between these beaux-esprits.
three hours after marriage john gay
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