Definition

Proper noun A historical figure, John of Gaunt (1340–1399), was the fourth son of King Edward III of England. He became a powerful political force, effectively ruling England in the later years of his father's reign and during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II. He was the father of Henry Bolingbroke, who later became King Henry IV, founding the House of Lancaster.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • John of Gaunt was a central figure in the political conflicts of late 14th-century England.
  • Shakespeare's play Richard II features a famous patriotic speech delivered by John of Gaunt.
  • The wealth and influence of John of Gaunt were immense.

Advanced Usage

• "John of Gaunt's speech": Often refers specifically to the "This sceptred isle" speech from Shakespeare's , which is a poetic evocation of England.
  • The actor delivered John of Gaunt's speech with great passion.
• Used historically to signify the origin of the Lancastrian claim to the English throne.
  • Henry VII traced his lineage back to John of Gaunt.

Variants and Related Words

• Duke of Lancaster: This was John of Gaunt's primary title, and he is often referred to by it.
  • As Duke of Lancaster, he held vast estates.
• House of Lancaster: The royal house founded by his son, Henry IV.
• Gaunt: An adjective meaning extremely thin, which is etymologically unrelated but a common homophone.

Synonyms

• The Duke of Lancaster
• The Earl of Richmond (an earlier title he held)

Related Phrases and Context

• "Time-honoured Lancaster": A phrase from Shakespeare used to address John of Gaunt, emphasizing his age and nobility.
• Lancastrian Claim: Refers to the dynastic claim to the throne derived from John of Gaunt.
  • The Wars of the Roses were a conflict between the Lancastrian and Yorkist claims.

Noun

1. the fourth son of Edward III who was the effective ruler of England during the close of his father's reign and during the minority of Richard II; his son was Henry Bolingbroke (1340-1399)