fleur-de-lis

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

noun,plural fleurs-de-lis

[flur-dl-eez, floor-; French flœr-duh-lees]. /ˌflɜr dlˈiz, ˌflʊər-; French flœr dəˈlis/.

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

Origin of fleur-de-lis

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

Who will inform us that Scapin bears the fleur de lis on his arms, and who is very glad he does so?
The 'Characters' of Jean de La Bruyre | Jean de La Bruyre
Then was seen on the altar a miter glittering with precious stones, and a large sword ornamented with fleur-de-lis.
Chicot the Jester | Alexandre Dumas, Pere
The long scarlet saddle-cloth, that covered his horse almost wholly, was likewise embroidered in gold fleur-de-lis.
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman | Eugne Sue
Then from its embossed sheath Napoleon drew a wonderful sword with a handle in the shape of a golden fleur-de-lis.
Napoleon's Young Neighbor | Helen Leah Reed
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.
The Open Question | Elizabeth Robins

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