fleur-de-lis

[ flur-dl-ee, -ees, floor-; French flœr-duh-lees ]

noun

, plural fleurs-de-lis [flur-dl-, eez, fl, oo, r-, fl, œ, r, -d, uh, -, lees].

1. a heraldic device somewhat resembling three petals or floral segments of an iris tied by an encircling band.
2. the heraldic bearing of the royal family of France.
3. the iris flower or plant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleur-de-lis¹

1300–50; < French; replacing Middle English flourdelis < Anglo-French flour de lis, literally, lily flower

Example Sentences

Who will inform us that Scapin bears the fleur de lis on his arms, and who is very glad he does so?

From Project Gutenberg

Then was seen on the altar a miter glittering with precious stones, and a large sword ornamented with fleur-de-lis.

From Project Gutenberg

The long scarlet saddle-cloth, that covered his horse almost wholly, was likewise embroidered in gold fleur-de-lis.

From Project Gutenberg

Then from its embossed sheath Napoleon drew a wonderful sword with a handle in the shape of a golden fleur-de-lis.

From Project Gutenberg

In the hall was an oaken hat-rack, with umbrella-stand and two carved oaken chairs on either side, with high fleur-de-lis backs.

From Project Gutenberg