Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A tributary of the Mississippi River: A river that originates in the state of Missouri and flows southeastward through the state of Arkansas before joining the Mississippi River.
   • The founder of the Franciscan order: An Italian Catholic friar, deacon, and preacher (c. 1181–1226) who founded the Franciscan orders. He is one of the most venerated religious figures in history, known for his devotion to poverty, chastity, and obedience, and for his love of nature and animals.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (River):

  • The St. Francis River forms part of the border between Missouri and Arkansas.
  • Flooding along the St. Francis can impact local communities.

• Proper noun (Historical Figure):

  • St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
  • Many churches hold ceremonies blessing pets on the feast day of St. Francis.

Advanced Usage

• "In the spirit of St. Francis": Acting with humility, poverty, and a deep reverence for all living things.
  • The community garden was founded in the spirit of St. Francis, promoting simplicity and care for creation.

Variants and Related Words

• Franciscan (adj/n): Pertaining to St. Francis or the religious orders he founded. A member of such an order.
  • She joined a Franciscan convent.
• Francis of Assisi: The full name used to specify the saint and distinguish him from other uses of "Francis."
  • The biography detailed the life of Francis of Assisi.

Synonyms

• The Poor Man of Assisi: A traditional epithet for St. Francis of Assisi.
• The Poverello (Italian: 'little poor man'): Another common name for St. Francis.

Related Phrases

• Prayer of St. Francis: A famous prayer often attributed to him, beginning "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace..."
  • They recited the Prayer of St. Francis at the interfaith service.

Noun

1. a tributary of the Mississippi River that rises in Missouri and flows southeastward through Arkansas
2. (Roman Catholic Church) an Italian and the Roman Catholic monk who founded the Franciscan order of friars (1181-1226)