Definition

Noun: 1. A historical title: The title given to the eldest son of the King of France, who was the direct heir apparent to the French throne. The title was used from 1349 to 1830.

Usage

The word "dauphin" is a historical term and a proper noun. It is always capitalized. It refers specifically to the heir to the French monarchy and is not used in a general sense for princes or heirs of other nations. * The Dauphin was traditionally given the governance of the province of Dauphiné. * Upon the king's death, the Dauphin would become the new king.

Examples

• Louis, Dauphin of France, was the son and heir of King Louis XIV.
• The future King Louis XVI was the Dauphin before his grandfather's death.
• Joan of Arc referred to Charles VII as the "Dauphin" before his coronation.

Advanced Usage / Historical Context

• The title originated when the ruler of the province of Dauphiné, Humbert II, sold his lands to the French crown on the condition that the heir to the throne bear the title "Dauphin de Viennois".
• The wife of the Dauphin was known as the .

Variants and Related Words

• Dauphine (noun): The title for the wife of the Dauphin.
• Heir apparent: A person who is first in line to inherit a title and cannot be displaced by the birth of another heir. This is a general term, while "Dauphin" is the specific French title.

Synonyms

• Crown Prince
• Heir Apparent (to the French throne)
• Prince of Wales (the equivalent title for the heir to the British throne)

Noun

1. formerly, the eldest son of the King of France and direct heir to the throne