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James II

American  

noun

  1. 1633–1701, king of England, Ireland, and Scotland 1685–88 (son of Charles I of England).


James II British  

noun

  1. 1430–60, king of Scotland (1437–60), son of James I

  2. 1633–1701, king of England, Ireland, and, as James VII, of Scotland (1685–88); son of Charles I. His pro-Catholic sympathies and arbitrary rule caused the Whigs and Tories to unite in inviting his eldest surviving daughter, Mary, and her husband, William of Orange, to take the throne as joint monarchs. James was defeated at the Boyne (1690) when he attempted to regain the throne

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Tuesday, Trump posted an article from the U.K. tabloid Daily Mail which claimed the president was distantly related to Charles via James II of Scotland, who died in 1460.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The next great constitutional upheaval in Britain, the Glorious Revolution of 1688, displaced King James II in favor his daughter Mary and her consort, William of Orange.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

The date commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 when the Protestant King William III - also known as King Billy and William of Orange - defeated Catholic King James II.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2024

They mark the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 when the Protestant King William III - also known as King Billy and William of Orange - defeated Catholic King James II.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2023

William was succeeded by Anne, the second daughter of James II, who, before and during her twelve-year reign, was greatly influenced by Halifax.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

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