Bougette

Bougette is a French term that traditionally denotes a small bouquet of flowers, typically a compact arrangement bound with a ribbon and carried or worn as a decorative accessory. It has been used in social and ceremonial contexts, including weddings, funerals, or personal adornment, and can be described as a miniature bouquet intended for easy handling.

Etymology and usage notes: the word is a diminutive form derived from bouquet, with the diminutive suffix -ette. The sense of a small floral arrangement is the primary and most widely recognized meaning, and the term has appeared in French literature and horticultural discourse for centuries. In English-language historical writing, bougette can be encountered when discussing traditional floral practices or period costumes.

Other historical senses: in older French usage, bougette also referred to a small bag or purse, used to carry coins, sewing tools, or herbs. This sense is largely archaic today and appears mainly in inventories or domestic accounts from earlier centuries. In some contexts, bougette can describe a decorative sachet or pocket-like ornament.

Heraldry and cultural variants: in heraldry, bougette is a rare charge that may denote a miniature bouquet or spray. The exact depiction and symbolism vary by era and blazon, but the floral sense remains central in most discussions of the term. In modern references, bougette commonly returns to the floral meaning, especially in discussions of historical costume or garden artistry.

See also: bouquet, boutonniere, sachet.