Definition

Proper noun: * Eleanor of Aquitaine: A historical figure, a powerful queen and duchess in the 12th century. She was first the Queen of France as the wife of King Louis VII. After the annulment of that marriage, she married Henry Plantagenet, who became King Henry II of England, making her Queen of England. She was also the Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, controlling vast lands in what is now southwestern France. She was the mother of two English kings, Richard I (the Lionheart) and John.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the wealthiest and most influential women of the High Middle Ages.
  • The court of Eleanor of Aquitaine was a renowned center of culture and the arts.
  • Historians study the political maneuvers of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reigns of her husband and sons.

Advanced Usage

• "The Eleanor of Aquitaine": When used with the definite article, it typically refers to her specific, iconic historical role or legacy.
  • She wielded power with the political acumen of the Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Variants and Related Words

• Eleanor (Proper noun): The common first name. "Eleanor of Aquitaine" is the specific historical designation.
• Aquitaine (Proper noun): The region in France she ruled as duchess.
• Plantagenet (Proper noun): The royal house of England founded by her husband, Henry II.

Synonyms

• The Queen of England (1154-1189): Refers to her specific title and period.
• The Duchess of Aquitaine: Refers to her hereditary title and power base.
• Historical figure / Medieval queen: General descriptive terms for her role.

Related Phrases

• "Mother of kings": A common epithet highlighting that she was the mother of Richard the Lionheart and King John.
• "Patron of the arts": Describes her role in fostering literature, music, and courtly culture.

Noun

1. queen of France as the wife of Louis VII; that marriage was annulled in 1152 and she then married Henry II and became Queen of England (1122-1204)