fleur-de-lis

Definition

A design representing a flower whose three petals are joined together at the bottom (⚜, ⚜️), often used in heraldry, where it is particularly associated with the French monarchy.

Etymology

From earlier flower-de-luce, from Middle English flourdelis, from Anglo-Norman flour de lis (“lily flower”); later remodelled after modern French fleur de lis (“lily flower”).

Example Sentences

• "Adorned all with gemmes of endlesse price, […] And all embost with Lyons and with Flour-delice."
• "And waſh the Sanguin’d Fleur-de-Liſſes white."
• "The pillars of the door that opens to this room are compoſed of pikes, on the top of which are two coats of mail, probably thoſe of John king of France, and David king of Scotland, who were priſoners here: they are both inlaid with gold, and are ornamented with fleur-de-liſſes and thiſtles."