English

Proper noun

Bette

1. A variant of Betty, a diminutive of the female given name Elizabeth.
   • 1981 William Wharton, Dad, Knopf, ISBN 0394510976, page 293:

     "Jack, couldn't you call me Bette again? You know how much I hate Bess. I don't know what's happened; you've been calling me Bette since we came to California and now, suddenly, you're calling me Bess."

     There's a long silence. Dad's still up on his knees; I'm driving along Sepulveda Boulevard toward Olympic.

     "Well, Bette, I married you as Bess and I've always liked that name. It's a name you don't hear very often; it's a strong name like you. Every time I call you Bette I'm afraid somebody else might answer."

German

Noun

Bette

1. dative singular of Bett

French

Noun

bette f ‎(plural bettes)

1. chard (vegetable)

German

Verb

bette

1. First-person singular present of betten.
2. First-person singular subjunctive I of betten.
3. Third-person singular subjunctive I of betten.
4. Imperative singular of betten.

Norman

Etymology

From Latin bēta.

Noun

bette f ‎(plural bettes)

1. (Jersey) spinach