Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun obsolete A worthless fellow; a bezonian.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • He spoke literally of the "need" to create, usually in the French term, _besogne_; and he was inclined to regard the imposition of this need on a man rather as a curse laid upon him than as

    Widdershins Oliver [pseud.] Onions 1917

  • "La femme," say the chronicles of St. Denis (III. 3 and 4) "pensa de la besogne là où le sens de son seigneur faillait, qui selon la coutume de femme, moult plus est de grand engieng à malfaire que n'est homme."

    The Story of Rouen Theodore Andrea Cook 1897

  • Nous avons eu transformation de societe, inventaire, assemblee d'actionnaires, tout cela m'a donne un effrayant surcroit de besogne et de fatigue, et je n'avais pas le courage de reprendre la plume lorsque je rentrais au logis, harasse et souffrant.

    Philip Gilbert Hamerton Hamerton, Philip G 1896

  • The first/besogne/on which this army entered was the siege of Jargeau, June 11th, into which town Suffolk had thrown himself and his troops when the siege of Orleans was raised.

    Jeanne d'Arc Oliphant, Mrs. 1896

  • Je voudrais leur consacrer dix annees d'etudes, ne fut ce que pour mon plaisir propre; mais Dieu nous donne et nous prepare une bien autre besogne, et il faut dire avec l'auteur de l'Imitation, 'relinque curiosa.'

    Studies from Court and Cloister: being essays, historical and literary dealing mainly with subjects relating to the XVIth and XVIIth centuries 1880

  • On a ete injuste pour lui; comme il avait enormement d'esprit, on l'a accuse d'etre leger; comme il produisait avec une facilite incroyable, on l'a accuse de gacher la besogne, et, comme il etait prodigue, on l'a accuse de manquer de tenue.

    Views and Reviews Essays in appreciation William Ernest Henley 1876

  • Nous avons eu transformation de société, inventaire, assemblée d'actionnaires, tout cela m'a donné un effrayant surcroit de besogne et de fatigue, et je n'avais pas le courage de reprendre la plume lorsque je rentrais au logis, harassé et souffrant.

    Philip Gilbert Hamerton An Autobiography, 1834-1858, and a Memoir by His Wife, 1858-1894 Eug��nie Hamerton 1864

  • The first _besogne_ on which this army entered was the siege of Jargeau,

    Jeanne D'Arc: her life and death 1862

  • And yet against this host, and this invincible commander, shall we have every besogne and fool a leader.

    Dedication 1857

  • Here he transferred Fox to the arms of the concierge, adding, "Vite au besogne, mon ami."

    The Parisians — Complete Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

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