[sou.brette] n [F, fr. Prov soubreto, fem. of soubret coy, fr. soubra to surmount, exceed, fr. L superare--more at insuperable] (1753) 1 a: a coquettish maid or frivolous young woman in comedies b: an actress who plays such a part
2: a soprano who sings supporting roles in comic opera