flower-de-luce

flower-de-luce

A single flower-de-luce grows by the edge of a clear pond.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Botanical term: "flower-de-luce" is an archaic or poetic name for the Iris plant, especially the species Iris pseudacorus (yellow iris) or the common garden iris. It refers to a flowering plant with showy, often blue or purple blooms.
    • Heraldic symbol: In heraldry, "flower-de-luce" is a variant spelling of fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily or iris used as a royal emblem, especially of French monarchy.
Usage Examples

  • Botanical:

    • The garden was filled with tall, elegant flower-de-luce in shades of blue. (Iris plants with striking flowers.)
    • She pressed a dried flower-de-luce between the pages of her poetry book. (A preserved iris bloom.)

  • Heraldic:

    • The king’s banner was embroidered with a golden flower-de-luce on a blue field. (A heraldic fleur-de-lis symbol.)
    • The shield bore three flower-de-luce, representing the French crown. (Heraldic emblems of royalty.)
Advanced Usage

  • Poetic or archaic contexts: "flower-de-luce" is rarely used in modern English outside of historical or literary works, where it evokes a sense of antiquity or elegance.

    • The poet wrote of a field of flower-de-luce swaying in the breeze. (A lyrical reference to irises.)

  • Alternative spelling: The term is an older form of fleur-de-lis and may appear in texts from the 16th–19th centuries.

    • In Shakespeare’s time, the flower-de-luce was a common motif in tapestries. (Historical usage.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Fleur-de-lis (n): the standard modern spelling of the heraldic symbol; also used for the iris flower.

    • The fleur-de-lis is a symbol of French royalty. (The same emblem as flower-de-luce.)

  • Iris (n): the botanical genus name for plants commonly called flower-de-luce.

    • The iris is a perennial plant with sword-shaped leaves. (Scientific term for the flower.)
Synonyms
  • Iris: the modern botanical name for the plant.
  • Fleur-de-lis: the standard heraldic term.
  • Flag (archaic): another old name for iris, especially yellow iris.
Related Idioms
  • To bear the flower-de-luce: an archaic phrase meaning to hold royal authority or French heritage.
    • The duke’s coat of arms bore the flower-de-luce, signifying his loyalty to the crown. (Displaying royal lineage.)
Notes on Usage
  • Historical context: "flower-de-luce" is considered obsolete in everyday English, surviving mainly in historical texts, heraldic descriptions, or poetic references. Use or for modern communication.
  • Plural form: The plural is (following the pattern of → ), but it is rarely used.