a. and sb. [F. bonne, fem. of bon good; also sb. a nurse, i.e., ‘good woman.’]
† A. adj. Good. Obs.
a. 1529. Skelton, Magnyf., 1003. Her fethers donne, Well-faueryd, bonne.
B. sb. † 1. A good girl; ? a novice. Obs.
a. 1529. Skelton, Image Hypocr., IV. 133. Systers and nonnes And littel pretty bonnes.
2. A (French) nursemaid.
1771. Wilkes, Corr. (1805), IV. 85. Do not forget me to your bonne.
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev., III. I. ii. 22. Old ladies … rang for their Bonnes and cordial-drops.
1848. Thackeray, Van. Fair, xxxvi. Her French bonne with her, the child by her side.
C. In certain French phrases, now or formerly in English use.
