Fronde
- French history either of two rebellious movements against the ministry of Cardinal Mazarin in the reign of Louis XIV, the first led by the parlement of Paris (1648–49) and the second by the princes (1650–53)
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Word Origin
C18: from French, literally: sling, the insurgent parliamentarians being likened to naughty schoolboys using slings
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Examples from the Web for fronde
Historical Examples
On recovering from his wounds, the war of the Fronde broke out.
ReflectionsFrancois Duc De La Rochefoucauld
But the army was faithful to the king, and without it the Fronde was powerless.
Historical Tales, Vol. 6 (of 15)Charles Morris
The origins of the Fronde are expounded in pages of profound sagacity.
A History of French LiteratureEdward Dowden
The Pascals left Rouen in 1648 during the disturbances of the Fronde.
The Story of RouenSir Theodore Andrea Cook
The Fronde co-operated with the Spanish troops in the civil war.
Louis XIV., Makers of History SeriesJohn S. C. Abbott
Word Origin and History for fronde
Fronde
n.
1798, from French fronde (14c.), "sling," from Old French fonde, from Latin funda "casting net," of unknown origin.
Name given to the party which rose against Mazarin and the court during the minority of Louis XIV, supposedly from the use of stone-casting slings to attack property of their opponents. Hence, sometimes used figuratively for "violent political opposition."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper