bene

ENEnglish
//biːn//

Definitions & Usage

noun
#1

(now chiefly dialectal) A prayer, especially to God; a petition; a boon.

noun
#2

Alternative form of benne (“sesame”).

adjective
#3

(obsolete, UK, thieves' cant) Good.

Synonyms:
noun
#4

(obsolete, UK, thieves' cant) Tongue.

Example: Stowe your bene!
noun
#5

(food) Abbreviation of eggs Benedict, an egg dish

verb
#6

Misspelling of been.

Example: That would of^([sic]) bene a good idea...

Notable Literary & Historical Quotes

What is good for a bootless bene?

1815, William Wordsworth, The Force of Prayer:

Egad, you carry a bene blink aloft. Come to the ken alone—no! my blowen; did not I tell you I should bring a pater cove, to chop up the whiners for Dawson?

1828, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Pelham: or The Adventures of a Gentleman, page 383:

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