Les Gueux

[ ley gœ ]

noun

1. a league of Dutch and Flemish patriots, composed chiefly of nobles and formed in 1566 to resist the introduction of the Spanish Inquisition into the Netherlands.
2. (later) any of various Dutch or Flemish partisan groups organized to gain independence for the Netherlands from Spain.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Les Gueux¹

< French: literally, the beggars

Example Sentences

The words caught on, and the hall resounded with loud cries of “Vivent les gueux!”

From Project Gutenberg

On his arrival at Tournay in August, 1566, the people had cried "Vivent les gueux;" a proof that he liked the cry.

From Project Gutenberg

He had never permitted the cry of "Vivent les gueux" at his own table, nor encouraged it in his presence any where else.

From Project Gutenberg

Others thronged around the balustrade, shouting "Vivent les gueux!"

From Project Gutenberg

Immediately loud cries arose from the assembled guests, until the great hall echoed with the shouts of Vivent les Gueux.

From Project Gutenberg