Rizzio

American  

[rit-see-oh, reet-, reet-tsyaw] / ˈrɪt siˌoʊ, ˈrit-, ˈrit tsyɔ /

noun

1. David 1533?–66, Italian musician: private foreign secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots 1564–66.

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Rizzio British  

/ ˈrɪtsɪəʊ /

noun

1. David . ?1533–66, Italian musician and courtier who became the secretary and favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots. He was murdered at the instigation of a group of nobles, including Mary's husband, Darnley

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Example Sentences

It’s become popular for Rizzio to be coded as gay in more recent adaptations, including the CW’s Reign and the 1971 movie Mary Queen of Scots.

From Slate • Dec. 7, 2018

As political walls close in around her she finds comfort and support in her loyal coterie of handmaidens and lone male confidant Rizzio, whose homosexuality Mary embraces even when he betrays her trust.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2018

Anger among analysts grew so intense that in the spring, Mr. Hooker’s civilian boss, William Rizzio, confronted his superiors about the problems.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2015

In the Canongate kirkyard, perhaps one of the most beautiful urban resting places in Scotland, lie the remains of David Rizzio who loved a queen once then paid for it with his life.

From The Guardian • Jul. 30, 2011

But still her moan's of Signor Rizzio, Who has not yet returned, tho still they seek him.

From Porzia by Rice, Cale Young