Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A French prelate and statesman: Duc de Richelieu refers to Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu, who was a high-ranking clergyman and a powerful political figure in France.
   • Principal minister to King Louis XIII: He served as the chief minister to King Louis XIII of France from 1624 until his death, effectively governing the country and centralizing royal power.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The policies of the Duc de Richelieu were instrumental in strengthening the French monarchy.
  • Historians often study the Duc de Richelieu to understand 17th-century European politics.

Advanced Usage

• "Richelieu" as a metonym: The title "Duc de Richelieu" or simply "Richelieu" is often used to refer to the system of centralized power and realpolitik he established.
  • His diplomatic strategies were pure Richelieu. (His diplomatic strategies were characteristic of the realpolitik associated with Cardinal Richelieu.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cardinal Richelieu: The more common name for the same historical figure, emphasizing his ecclesiastical rank as a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Armand Jean du Plessis: His full birth name.

Synonyms

• Statesman: A skilled, experienced, and respected political leader.
• Chief minister: The leading minister in a monarch's government.

Related Phrases

• Richelieu's policies: Refers specifically to the political and diplomatic strategies he employed, such as opposing Habsburg dominance in Europe.
• Age of Richelieu: A period in French history marked by his influence and governance.

Related Idioms

• To play a Richelieu: (Less common, historical) To act with cunning statecraft or ruthless political strategy.
  • In the council, he decided to play a Richelieu to outmaneuver his opponents.

Noun

1. French prelate and statesman; principal minister to Louis XIII (1585-1642)