Basque

views updated May 29 2018

Basque / bask/ • n. 1. a member of a people living in the Basque Country of France and Spain. Culturally one of the most distinct groups in Europe, the Basques were largely independent until the 19th century.2. the language of this people, which has no known relation to any other language.• adj. of or relating to the Basques or their language.

Basque

views updated May 17 2018

Basque a member of a people living in the Basque Country of France and Spain. Culturally one of the most distinct groups in Europe, the Basques were largely independent until the 19th century; the Basque separatist movement ETA is carrying on an armed struggle against the Spanish government. The Basque language is not known to be related to any other language.

The name comes via French from Latin Vasco, the same base as Gascon.