Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A historical monarch: William of Orange refers to William III, who became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He is known for ascending to the throne jointly with his wife, Mary II, following the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688-1689.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • William of Orange was a key Protestant figure in late 17th-century European politics.
  • The reign of William of Orange marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament in England.

Advanced Usage

• "The Williamite War": Refers to the conflict in Ireland (1689–1691) following the accession of William of Orange, particularly the Battle of the Boyne.
  • The Jacobite forces were defeated by those loyal to William of Orange during the Williamite War.

Variants and Related Words

• William III: The regnal name used for this monarch.
  • The policies of William III had a lasting constitutional impact.
• Stadtholder: A title William held as the Dutch ruler of the provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Gelderland, and Overijssel.
  • Before becoming king, William of Orange served as Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic.

Synonyms

• William III: The direct synonym as a regnal name.
• The Prince of Orange: A title referring to his position in the Netherlands prior to his kingship.

Related Phrases

• "The Glorious Revolution": The event that led to William of Orange becoming king.
  • William of Orange invaded England during the Glorious Revolution.
• "William and Mary": Refers to the joint monarchy of William III and Mary II.
  • The college was founded during the reign of William and Mary.

Noun

1. King of England and Scotland and Ireland; he married the daughter of James II and was invited by opponents of James II to invade England; when James fled, William III and Mary II were declared joint monarchs (1650-1702)