Béni-Mouffetard (popular), dweller of the Quartier Mouffetard, the abode of rag-pickers.
Bénir (popular), bas, to kick one in the lower part of the back, “to toe one’s bum,” “to root,” or “to land a kick;” (popular and thieves’) —— des pieds, to be hanged, “to cut caper-sauce,” or “to be scragged.”
Bénisseur, m. (familiar), one who puts on a dignified and solemn air, as if about to give his blessing, and who delivers platitudes on virtue, &c.; one who makes fine but empty promises; political man who professes to believe, and seeks to make others believe, that everything is for the best. An historical illustration of this is General Changarnier thus addressing the House on the very eve of the Coup d’Etat which was to throw most of its members into prison, “Représentants du peuple, délibérez en paix!”
Benoît, m. (popular), woman’s bully, “ponce.” See [Poisson].
La vrai’ vérité,
C’est qu’ les Benoîts toujours lichent
Et s’graissent les balots.
Vive eul’ bataillon d’ la guiche,
C’est nous qu’est les dos.
Richepin, Chanson des Gueux.