\Bon"ze\ (b[o^]n"z[-e]; 277), n. [Pg. bonzo, fr. Japan. b[=o]zu a Buddhist priest: cf. F. bonze.] A Buddhist or Fohist priest, monk, or nun. Note: 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.