Dictionary

amateuse en · NOUN

Etymology

Pseudo-Gallicism, from amateur + -euse (the French equivalent is amatrice).

Meanings

1. A female amateur.
   • Marie was clearly the more musical of the two daughters and is even mentioned as an “amateuse in the playing of the piano-forte” in a Viennese almanach from the year 1832. 1979, Letter to His Friends, Doblinger, →ISBN, page 28:
   • In this regard, I am reminded of an incident in the home of Doña Reina de Abeja, an amateuse of the occult, who some years ago brought a medium from Duluth, Minnesota, for the delectation of her cronies. 1975, R. M. Koster, “Notes”, in The Dissertation, section 4 (Procedure):
   • Les looked around the room for Em. His glance passed Lou Kohn, leading amateuse of the Teacup Theater (who was draped against a door à la Sarah Bernhardt), and rested on Em and Howard—alone in a window-seat. 1923, Literary Digest International Book Review, page 37, column 1:
   • I'd love to take more lessons including studying anatomy. But after reading professionals dicker about draping I thought to myself that I'd rather just remain amateur. And I mean that in the best possible way. / Lorre (or is that amateuse?) 2002 December 4, Lorremiddy, “APC9 Touchy Feeling”, in alt.polyamory (Usenet):
   • So our plucky thieves switch to a “cash business,” which Gaston doesn’t mind but Lily does. Lily is an amateuse, and it takes the heart out of her work to steal something she can’t wear. 1977, The National Society of Film Critics on Movie Comedy, →ISBN, page 74:
   • “King Rodolpho’s Will” (Burns & Oates) is a drama of the time of the Crusades, by the Rev. H. C. Duke. There is plenty of striking incident in it, and it may be effective for representation by young amateurs, especially as no amateuses are required in it. 1880, “New Books”, in The Irish Monthly: A Magazine of General Literature, volume eighth, Dublin: M. H. Gill & Son, […]. London: Burns & Oates; Simpkin, Marshall & Co., section IV (Other New Books), page 460:
   • This Society, already distinguished by their extreme liberality and brilliant assemblies, do themselves additional honour by the periodical invitation of lady artists and amateuses, some of whom contribute works of much excellence to the exhibitions. 1842 July, The Art-Union. A Monthly Journal of Fine Arts, volume IV, London: […] J. How, […], section “Amateur Artists’ Conversazioni”, page 165, column 3:
   • I am not a psychiatrist -- I am a psychiatric amateur (amateuse); a mere hobbyist. 1999 February 25, quondam, “Boarding school for Beatrice and Eugenie?”, in alt.gossip.royalty (Usenet):
   • The eight contestants too comprised the spirit of fraternité four professional men, three gentlemen-riders and one lady amateuse. 1977, Michael Clayton, Cross Country Riding, →ISBN, page 120:

Forms

Synonyms

amatrice