fleur-de-luce
Definition
- Noun:
- A plant: "fleur-de-luce" is an archaic term for the iris plant, specifically the Iris pseudacorus or yellow iris, known for its showy flowers.
- A heraldic symbol: In heraldry, "fleur-de-luce" is a variant spelling of "fleur-de-lis," a stylized lily or iris emblem associated with French royalty and the monarchy of France.
Usage Examples
- Noun (plant):
- The garden was filled with fleur-de-luce, their yellow blooms bright against the pond. (The yellow iris plants were growing near water.)
- Noun (heraldic symbol):
- The king’s shield bore a golden fleur-de-luce on a blue background. (The royal emblem of France was displayed.)
Advanced Usage
- "fleur-de-luce" as a historical term: This spelling was common in older English texts, particularly in botanical or heraldic contexts, and is now largely replaced by "fleur-de-lis."
- In medieval manuscripts, the fleur-de-luce was drawn with three petals. (The historical heraldic symbol had a specific design.)
Variants and Related Words
- Fleur-de-lis (n): the modern standard spelling of the heraldic symbol.
- The fleur-de-lis is still used in the coat of arms of Quebec. (The emblem remains in official use.)
- Iris (n): the botanical name for the plant family that includes fleur-de-luce.
- The iris is a perennial flower with sword-shaped leaves. (The plant group to which fleur-de-luce belongs.)
Synonyms
- Lily: a common name for the fleur-de-lis symbol, though botanically distinct.
- Yellow flag: a common name for , the plant referred to as fleur-de-luce.
Related Idioms
- To give the fleur-de-luce: an archaic phrase meaning to award or honor with the French royal emblem.
- The king gave the fleur-de-luce to the loyal knight. (He bestowed the heraldic symbol as a mark of favor.)