lettre de cachet

[ le-truh duh ka-she ]

noun

, French.

, plural let·tres de ca·chet [le-t, r, uh, d, uh, k, a, -, she].

1. a letter under the seal of the sovereign, especially one ordering imprisonment, frequently without trial.

lettre de cachet

/ lɛtrə də kaʃɛ /

noun

1. French history a letter under the sovereign's seal, often authorizing imprisonment without trial

Word History and Origins

Origin of lettre de cachet¹

literally: letter with a seal

Example Sentences

A lettre de cachet was sent after him to Bordeaux; but he avoided it by crossing into Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

To think that any man of our free colony would use a lettre de cachet, and against a brother Canadian!

From Project Gutenberg

There was no difficulty in obtaining this lettre de cachet, and the poor wretch was arrested and taken to the Bastille.

From Project Gutenberg

He had effected his escape none too soon, for the very next day (June 10, 1749), a lettre de cachet for his arrest was issued.

From Project Gutenberg

I have seen the lettre de cachet; it is my father who has caused me to be placed here.

From Project Gutenberg