bef

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See also: BEF, B.E.F., and B. E. F.

Dutch[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

From Middle Dutch beffe (cap, collar), from Old French biffe. Further origin uncertain. Compare German Beffchen.

Noun[edit]

bef f (plural beffen, diminutive befje n)

  1. (archaic) collar
  2. an ornamental pair of bands worn hanging over the chest, notably as part of formal dress by magistrates, professors and certain Catholic and Protestant clergy
  3. by analogy, any of certain other similar objects
  4. a patch on the throat or chest of a different color on cats or dogs
  5. (slang) the vulva
Derived terms[edit]

Etymology 2[edit]

Noun[edit]

bef f (plural beffen, diminutive befje n)

  1. a nickname for an unspecified small Dutch coin

Etymology 3[edit]

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Verb[edit]

bef

  1. inflection of beffen:
    1. first-person singular present indicative
    2. imperative

Mauritian Creole[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From French boeuf.

Noun[edit]

bef

  1. bull
  2. beef

References[edit]

  • Baker, Philip & Hookoomsing, Vinesh Y. 1987. Dictionnaire de créole mauricien. Morisyen – English – Français

Middle English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Anglo-Norman beof, Old French buef; ultimately from Latin bovem, accusative of bōs. Doublet of cou.

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

bef (uncountable)

  1. beef; cow flesh or meat
  2. A bovine or its carcass

Descendants[edit]

  • English: beef (see there for further descendants)
  • Scots: beef

References[edit]

Seychellois Creole[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From French boeuf.

Noun[edit]

bef

  1. bull
  2. beef

References[edit]

  • Danielle D’Offay et Guy Lionnet, Diksyonner Kreol - Franse / Dictionnaire Créole Seychellois - Français

Volapük[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

bef (nominative plural befs)

  1. alcove

Declension[edit]