Bŏn'ze, n.

(bŏn'ze) (Synop., § 130), n. [Corrupted from Japan. busso, a pious man; Fr. bonze, bonse.] A priest of many different Oriental sects.

☞ The name was given by the Portuguese to the priests of Japan, and has since been applied to the priests of China, Cochin China, and the neighboring countries. In China, the bonzes are the priests of the Fohists, or sect of Fohi. They are distinguished from the laity by their dress. In Japan, they are gentlemen of family. Bescherelle.