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Webster 1913 Edition
Debonair
Debˊo-nair′
,Adj.
[OE.
debonere
, OF. de bon aire
, debonaire
, of good descent or lineage, excellent, debonair, F. débonnaire
debonair; de
of (L. de
) + bon
good (L. bonus
) + aire
. See Air
, and Bounty
, and cf. Bonair
.] Characterized by courteousness, affability, or gentleness; of good appearance and manners; graceful; complaisant.
Was never prince so meek and
debonair
. Spenser.
Definition 2025
debonair
debonair
English
Alternative forms
Adjective
debonair (comparative more debonair, superlative most debonair)
- (obsolete) Gracious, courteous.
- 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, II.vi:
- Let be that Ladie debonaire, / Thou recreant knight, and soone thy selfe prepaire / To battell [...].
- 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, II.vi:
- Suave, urbane and sophisticated.
- (especially of men) Charming, confident, and carefully dressed.
Translations
(obsolete) Gracious, courteous
|
Suave, urbane and sophisticated
|
Charming, confident and carefully dressed
|