merveilleuse
/ˌməːveɪˈjəːz/Now historical
noun
A Frenchwoman dressed in the extravagant style fashionable during the period of the Directory (the French Revolutionary government of 1795–9), usually comprising a gown with a tight bodice, worn with a very large bonnet.
- The female counterpart of the merveilleux or incroyable..
Origin
Early 19th century. From French merveilleuse, use as noun of feminine of merveilleux.