Also 9 belles-lettreist. [f. prec. + -IST.] One devoted to belles-lettres.
1816. J. Gilchrist, Philos. Etym., 193. The great Quintilian, or any of his worthy disciples the French Belles-lettreists.
1858. De Quincey, Whiggism, Wks. VI. 130. As an orator, an essayist, or, generally, as a bellettrist.
