belles

The term belles lettres emerges only in the seven - teenth century.

LITERATURE AND ITS COGNATES REN 1968

The term belles-lettres does not fully express it, for it is too narrow.

The Relation of Literature to Life Charles Dudley Warner 1864

The term belles-lettres does not fully express it, for it is too narrow.

Complete Essays Charles Dudley Warner 1864

The term belles-lettres does not fully express it, for it is too narrow.

The Complete Project Gutenberg Writings of Charles Dudley Warner Charles Dudley Warner 1864

All this applies to what is called belles-lettres.

The Wife 2004

One of its advantages the ladies were perfectly aware of, namely, that it afforded a _point de réunir_, for both beaux and belles, which is always so much wanted before the music begins; and calculating on this important circumstance, Lady Charlotte possessed herself of the chair which was the most accessible of the whole group.

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 12, No. 321, July 5, 1828 Various

All this applies to what is called belles-lettres.

The Wife, and other stories Anton Pavlovich Chekhov 1882

It seems that three titled belles in the first row had sat down predetermined that a _bonne d'enfants_ should not give them lessons in English.

Villette Charlotte Bront�� 1835

You know, I didn't even notice that the dress had "belles" all over it until I read it!

Linktastic Monday! - A Dress A Day 2008

In the phraseology of the period, all were "belles"; Hetty and Constance

The Long Roll Mary Johnston 1903