| 词源 |
soubrette n.1753, theatrical jargon word for lady's maid characters in plays and operas, who typically were pert, flirtatious, and intriguing, from French soubrette, said in Klein to be from Provençal soubreto "affected, conceited," fem. of soubret "coy, reserved," from soubra "to set aside," originally "to exceed," from Old Provençal sobrar, from Latin superare "to rise above, overcome," from super "over, above, beyond" (from PIE root *uper "over"). Other sources trace the French word through Old French soubret "sober, thoughtful; sly, cunning," from the Latin word. Compare Abigail. updated on March 22, 2023 |