Carolingian

American  

[kar-uh-lin-jee-uhn] / ˌkær əˈlɪn dʒi ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Frankish dynasty that reigned in France a.d. 751–987, first under Charlemagne, and in Germany until a.d. 911.

2. pertaining to or designating the arts, script, or culture of the Carolingian period, chiefly characterized by a revival of the forms of classical antiquity modified by ecclesiastical requirements.

   Carolingian renaissance.

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noun

1. a member of the Carolingian dynasty. Carol.

Carolingian British  

/ ˌkærəˈlɪndʒɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Frankish dynasty founded by Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, which ruled in France from 751–987 _ad and in Germany until 911 _ad

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noun

1. a member of the dynasty of the Carolingian Franks

Other Word Forms

• post-Carolingian adjective
• pre-Carolingian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Carolingian

1880–85; re-formation of earlier Carlovingian (conformed to Medieval Latin Carolus Magnus Charlemagne) < French carlovingien, equivalent to Medieval Latin Car ( o ) l ( us ) + French -ovingien, extracted from mérovingien Merovingian

Example Sentences

Naismith said: "We now know that after the Carolingian dynasty came into power in 751, Melle became a major force across Francia and increasingly in England too."

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2024

Carolingian reformers took inspiration from the monks of Ireland, who brought with them both their ascetic style of religious practice and their handsomely copied books of classical literature.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

I’m not likely to forget the Viking warrior Rollo, whose henchman flipped the Carolingian king Charles the Simple onto his backside so he could kiss the royal foot without kneeling in obeisance.

From Washington Post • Dec. 15, 2021

But just reading the history book about Charlemagne, who was an emperor that led the Carolingian dynasty.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2021

One of Charlemagne's chief claims to distinction is that his reign, largely through his own influence, comprised the most important period of the so-called Carolingian renaissance, or revival of learning.

From A Source Book of Medi?val History Documents Illustrative of European Life and Institutions from the German Invasions to the Renaissance by Ogg, Frederic Austin