peacock-throne

Thân thiện

The peacock-throne was a magnificent symbol of royal power.

Definition

Noun: 1. A historical throne of immense value and symbolic power: The Peacock Throne was a magnificent, jewel-encrusted golden throne originally created for the Mughal emperors of India. It later became a potent symbol of the Persian (Iranian) monarchy. 2. A symbol of sovereign authority: The term is used metonymically to represent the power and office of the ruler, specifically the former Shah of Iran.

Usage Examples

• The Peacock Throne was one of the most famous symbols of Mughal opulence before it was plundered.
• For decades, the Peacock Throne represented the imperial authority of the Iranian monarchy.
• The loss of the original Peacock Throne did not diminish its use as a title for the seat of the Shah.

Advanced Usage

• Metonymic Use: The phrase "the Peacock Throne" is often used not to refer to a physical object but to the institution of the monarchy itself.
  • His ambition was to one day ascend the Peacock Throne. (Meaning: to become the Shah.)

Variants and Related Words

• Throne (n): The chair of state for a sovereign, bishop, or similar figure.
• Monarchy (n): A form of government with a monarch at the head.

Synonyms

• The seat of power
• The crown (when used symbolically for authority)
• The sovereign's seat

Notes on Meaning

The term has two primary layers of meaning: 1. Historical Artifact: Refers to the specific, physical golden throne looted from Delhi. 2. Symbolic Title: Refers to the later, symbolic throne and the authority of the Iranian Shah, even though the original artifact was lost. This is its most common modern usage.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the golden throne of former kings of Delhi; stolen by the Persians in 1739 and subsequently lost; symbol of the former Shah of Iran