basque1
/bask
/ /bɑːsk /noun
A close-fitting bodice extending from the shoulders to the waist and typically with a short continuation below waist level.She was referring to the picture of me dressed in a basque, stockings, suspenders and a thong that had been circulating on everybody's mobile phone....
- Shops all over the city have been ransacked for boots, basques, garters, stockings and suspenders and other distinctly racy garments by theatre-goers determined to join in the spirit of the gender-bending theatrical phenomenon.
- He had hired a crazy wig and wore a slinky black dress, black stockings and a basque.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Basque, referring to Basque dress.
Basque2
/bask/ /bɑːsk /noun
1A member of a people living in the Basque Country of France and Spain. Culturally one of the most distinct groups in Europe, the Basques were largely independent until the 19th century. The Basque separatist movement ETA is carrying on an armed struggle against the Spanish government.During the period of Spanish colonization, Basques from Spain had often taken administrative posts overseas....
- The distinctive Basque culture was recognized by the rulers of Castile until the nineteenth century, when the Basques ' privileges were removed by the Spanish court.
- Although the Basque country is divided between France and Spain, the Basques have maintained an identity separate from both states.
2 [mass noun] The language of the Basques, which is not known to be related to any other language. It has about 1 million speakers.These languages include not only Dutch, German, and Scandinavian, Asian, and African languages, but less widely spoken languages such as Basque, Yiddish, and Greek....
- Whatever their mother tongue: Spanish, Hindi, Finnish, Basque, Walpiri, Quechua, babies acquire it long before they learn to read and write.
- Etruscan was obviously not an Indo-European language and was unrelated to Basque.
adjective
Relating to the Basques or their language.In these simple clubs, whose name in the ancient Basque language means ‘corner’, attendance is by invitation only....
- They sing and improvise in Euskera, the Basque language.
- The Basque language is extremely difficult and complex.
Origin
From French, from Latin Vasco; compare with Gascon.