louis d'or
Noun: 1. A former French gold coin: A specific type of gold coin that was minted and used in France, first issued in 1640 during the reign of King Louis XIII. The name literally means "gold Louis."
The term "louis d'or" is used historically to refer to this specific coin. It is a proper noun and is typically used in historical or numismatic (coin-collecting) contexts. - The treasure chest contained several louis d'or from the 17th century. - He paid for the estate with a bag full of louis d'or.
- The coin's value and design changed over time with different monarchs named Louis (e.g., Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI). The term can therefore refer to coins from different periods, all bearing the monarch's portrait.
- It is often mentioned in historical novels and accounts to signify wealth or transactions from the Ancien Régime period in France.
- Écu: Another type of French historical coin, originally silver. Sometimes mentioned alongside the louis d'or.
- Franc: The later currency that replaced the livre and systems involving the louis d'or.
- Gold coin: The general category to which the louis d'or belongs.
- French gold coin: A descriptive synonym.
- Gold Louis: A direct translation sometimes used in English texts.
While there are no common English idioms using "louis d'or," the coin itself is a potent symbol in phrases describing historical wealth. - Worth a king's ransom in louis d'or. (An illustrative phrase emphasizing great value.) - Paid in louis d'or. (A phrase indicating payment in valuable, historical currency.)
- a former French gold coin