bete

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbāt How to pronounce bete (audio)
in certain card games
: subject to a penalty for failure to fulfill one's contract
also : down, beaten

bete

2 of 2

noun

ˈbāt How to pronounce bete (audio)
plural -s
: failure by the bidder (as in auction pinochle) to fulfill his or her contract
also : the penalty for such failure

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably from French bête, literally, blockhead, beast (in faire la bête to pass in a card game), from Old French beste beast

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Dictionary Entries Near bete

betcherygah

bete

beteem

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Bete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bete. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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