belles-lettres (noun)

1. The belles-lettres of the cartoon world often combine humor and social commentary.

2. The book of Psalms is a beautiful example of belles-lettres in religious literature.

3. The author's use of vivid descriptions and atmospheric settings makes this horror novel a stunning piece of belles-lettres.

4. The elegant prose in this architectural magazine demonstrates the principles of belles-lettres applied to the world of design.