Definition

Proper noun: - Sir Walter Raleigh: An English courtier, explorer, writer, and soldier who was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. He is historically noted for his attempts to establish colonies in the New World (notably the Roanoke Colony in present-day North Carolina, an area he named Virginia) and for introducing potatoes and tobacco to England.

Usage

• As a subject:
• In historical context:
• Discussing introductions:

Advanced Usage

• "The Raleigh touch": A rarely used historical allusion referring to the chivalrous gesture of laying down one's cloak for someone, stemming from the (likely apocryphal) story about Raleigh doing this for Queen Elizabeth I.
  • His act of courtesy was described as having the Raleigh touch.

Variants and Related Words

• Ralegh: An alternate historical spelling of the surname.
• Walter Raleigh: The name without the honorific 'Sir'.
• Raleigh (as a toponym): The capital city of North Carolina, USA, named in his honor.

Synonyms

• Explorer: A person who explores an unfamiliar area.
• Courtier: A person who attends a royal court as a companion or adviser to the king or queen.
• Colonizer: A person who helps establish a colony.

Related Phrases

• "Lost Colony of Roanoke": The famous settlement in Virginia sponsored by Raleigh that disappeared, creating a historical mystery.
• "The School of Night": A supposed group of intellectuals, including Raleigh, interested in science, philosophy, and the occult during the Elizabethan period.

Noun

1. English courtier (a favorite of Elizabeth I) who tried to colonize Virginia; introduced potatoes and tobacco to England (1552-1618)