I. ˈbāˌgēn, ˈbe-, ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷; bəˈg- noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle French, from Old French
: a member of one of a number of semimonastic associations for women not bound by the vows of a religious but interested in devotional life and works of charity
II. bə̇ˈgēn, bā- noun
( -s )
Etymology: American French béguine, from French béguin flirtation
: a vigorous popular dance of the islands of Saint Lucia and Martinique somewhat like the rumba