Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Heraldry) A Stylized Iris: A heraldic charge or emblem consisting of a conventionalized representation of an iris flower, typically with three petals bound together near their bases and three sepals, often shown with the central petal erect and the outer two curving outward.
   • (Botany) The Iris Plant: A plant of the genus Iris, characterized by sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three upright petals and three drooping or spreading sepals.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Heraldry):
  • The coat of arms featured a golden fleur-de-lis on a blue field.
  • The fleur-de-lis has been a symbol of French royalty for centuries.
• Noun (Botany):
  • The garden was filled with the vibrant colors of the fleur-de-lis. (This usage, while referring to the iris plant, is less common in modern English than the heraldic sense.)

Advanced Usage

• "Fleur-de-lis" as a Symbol: Beyond heraldry, the fleur-de-lis is used as a decorative motif and a symbol of purity, light, and perfection, often associated with the Virgin Mary in religious art.
  • The intricate gate was adorned with a fleur-de-lis pattern.

Variants and Related Words

• Fleur-de-lys: An alternative spelling for "fleur-de-lis."
• Iris: The common name for the plant from which the heraldic symbol is derived.
• Lily: While the fleur-de-lis is stylized from the iris, it is historically and popularly associated with the lily, leading to its name which means "flower of the lily" in French.

Synonyms

• (For the heraldic charge): Heraldic lily, flower emblem.
• (For the plant): Iris, flag, sword lily.

Related Phrases

• "Fleur-de-lis emblem": Specifically refers to the symbol used in heraldry, flags, or logos.
  • The team's helmet bore the fleur-de-lis emblem of their city.
• "Fleur-de-lis design": Refers to the pattern or artistic representation of the symbol.
  • The fabric had an elegant fleur-de-lis design woven into it.

Noun

1. (heraldry) charge consisting of a conventionalized representation of an iris
2. plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals