Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A city in north-central France: A French city located on the Loire River, historically significant as the site of a major siege during the Hundred Years' War.
   • The site of a historical siege: Refers specifically to the event where the city of Orleans was besieged by English forces and the siege was famously lifted with the aid of Joan of Arc in 1429.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (referring to the city):

  • We took a boat tour on the Loire River near Orleans.
  • Orleans is known for its beautiful cathedral and rich history.

• Proper noun (referring to the historical event):

  • The Siege of Orleans was a turning point in the Hundred Years' War.
  • Joan of Arc's victory at Orleans made her a national heroine.

Advanced Usage

• "The Maid of Orleans": A traditional epithet for Joan of Arc, derived from her role in the Siege of Orleans.
  • The story of the Maid of Orleans has inspired many works of art.

Variants and Related Words

• Orléans: The French spelling of the city's name, often used in historical and formal contexts.
  • The Duchy of Orléans was a title in the French royal family.

Synonyms

• City (in this specific context): While not a direct synonym, in general contexts, "Orleans" can be referred to as a French city. More specific synonyms relate to its historical role.
• The site of the siege: When discussing the 1428-1429 event.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary and almost exclusive meaning of "Orleans" in English is as a proper noun referring to the French city and its associated history. It is not commonly used as a general noun in modern English.
• The references from other dictionaries to "a type of plum" or "a type of cotton fabric" are archaic or highly specialized terms (often spelled with a lowercase 'o' or as part of a compound like "Orleans plum") and are not the standard meaning of the capitalized proper noun "Orleans."

Noun

1. a long siege of Orleans by the English was relieved by Joan of Arc in 1429
2. a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)