Definition

Proper noun * Marquise de Maintenon: A title and name referring to Françoise d'Aubigné, who became the secret second wife of King Louis XIV of France. She was a significant figure in the French court, known for her influence, piety, and involvement in education.

Usage

• The term "Marquise de Maintenon" is used as a proper noun to identify this specific historical person. It is typically used in historical, biographical, and cultural contexts.
• It functions as a name and title, so it does not have verb forms or standard pluralization. When referring to her directly, the title is often used.

Examples

• Historical Reference:
  • The Marquise de Maintenon exerted considerable influence over Louis XIV in his later years.
  • A biography was written about the life of Marquise de Maintenon.
• Cultural/Educational Context:
  • The school founded by the Marquise de Maintenon focused on the education of girls from impoverished noble families.

Advanced Usage

• The name is sometimes used metonymically to refer to the era of her influence or her conservative, religious values at court.
  • The moral strictness of the later part of Louis's reign is often attributed to the era of the Marquise de Maintenon.

Variants and Related Words

• Françoise d'Aubigné: Her birth name.
• Madame de Maintenon: A common alternative way to refer to her, especially before and after her secret marriage. "Madame" was a common title for married women of rank.
• Second wife of Louis XIV: A descriptive phrase identifying her role.

Synonyms

• Françoise d'Aubigné
• Madame de Maintenon
• Secret wife of Louis XIV (descriptive synonym)

Notes on Meaning

This term refers exclusively to one historical individual. It does not have other general meanings. Her historical significance lies in her unique position as the king's secret wife, her role as a founder of the school at Saint-Cyr, and her representation of the pious, conservative faction at the French court.

Noun

1. French consort of Louis XIV who secretly married the king after the death of his first wife (1635-1719)