Ghibelline

[ gib-uh-lin, -leen ]

noun

1. a member of the aristocratic party in medieval Italy and Germany that supported the claims of the German emperors against the papacy: politically opposed to the Guelphs.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Ghibellines.

Ghibelline

/ -ˌliːn; ˈɡɪbɪˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a member of the political faction in medieval Italy originally based on support for the German emperor
2. modifier of or relating to the Ghibellines Compare Guelph 1

Derived Forms

• ˈGhibelˌlinism, noun

Other Words From

• Ghibel·lin·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ghibelline¹

1565–75; < Italian Ghibellino < Middle High German *wībeling- ( German Waiblingen ) a Hohenstaufen estate in Germany

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ghibelline¹

C16: from Italian Ghibellino, probably from Middle High German Waiblingen, a Hohenstaufen estate

Example Sentences

Moved by the reasons stated above, I believe, the Venetians encouraged the Guelf and Ghibelline sects in their subject cities.

From Literature

Yet although Ghibelline and heretic were frequently held by the popes to be almost convertible terms, there was in reality no test capable of universal application.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever professions Frederic might make, or whatever rigor he might exercise in his Sicilian dominions, it was no part of his policy to estrange the Ghibelline leaders, or to strengthen the Guelfic factions in the turbulent little republics which he sought to reduce to subjection.

From Project Gutenberg

The fate of Italy—one may almost say of the papacy—was decided, February 26, 1266, on the plain of Benevento, where Guelf and Ghibelline from all portions of the Peninsula faced each other.

From Project Gutenberg

For the most part they were torn with savage internal feuds between factions which, as Guelf or Ghibelline, hoisted the banner of pope or kaiser as an excuse for tearing each other to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg