beignet
UK[ˈbeɪnjeɪ]US[beɪnˈjeɪ]
n
a square, deep-fried pastry made from a light dough, often dusted with powdered sugar.
Etymology
the word 'beignet' was borrowed directly from french in the 19th century. in french, it derives from the old french term 'bignet', meaning 'a bump' or 'a fritter', which itself is a diminutive form of 'bigne', meaning 'a swelling' or 'a bump'. this etymology reflects the pastry's characteristic puffed-up, airy texture achieved through frying. the semantic journey connects the physical concept of a swelling or bump to the light, risen dough of the finished confection.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from french. it is not productively segmented into meaningful morphemes in english.
Examples
for breakfast in new orleans, i had a cup of café au lait and a warm, powdered sugar-dusted beignet.
the café is famous for its beignets, which are served hot and fresh all day long.
she bit into the beignet, sending a small cloud of powdered sugar into the air.