batsemain

[In Fr. baisemain = ki ing of hands at a feudal ceremony, indicating affectionate loyalty: baiser = to ki , and mains = hands.] 1. The act of ki ing the hands to, the act of complimenting of an inferior to a superior. 2. ( Pl .) Compliments, respects. "Do my baisemains to the gentleman."- Farquhar : Beaux ' Stratagem . *bāiske, a. [Icel. beisk = bitter.] Sour. "For the froite of itt is soure, And baiske and bittere of odoure." MS. Cott. Faust., bk. vi., f. 123 b. (S. in Boucher.)