Rizzio

American  

[rit-see-oh, reet-, reet-tsyaw] / ˈrɪt siˌoʊ, ˈrit-, ˈrit tsjɔ /

noun

1. David 1533?–66, Italian musician: private foreign secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots 1564–66.

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Rizzio British  

/ ˈrɪtsɪəʊ /

noun

1. David . ?1533–66, Italian musician and courtier who became the secretary and favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots. He was murdered at the instigation of a group of nobles, including Mary's husband, Darnley

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Rizzio

It’s true that Rizzio became one of Mary’s confidants, playing cards with her nightly and assisting with her correspondence once she retained him as her secretary.

From Slate ● Dec. 7, 2018

As political walls close in around her she finds comfort and support in her loyal coterie of handmaidens and lone male confidant Rizzio, whose homosexuality Mary embraces even when he betrays her trust.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 30, 2018

Mr. Rizzio, who has since returned to his position, declined to be interviewed.

From New York Times ● Sep. 23, 2015

In the Canongate kirkyard, perhaps one of the most beautiful urban resting places in Scotland, lie the remains of David Rizzio who loved a queen once then paid for it with his life.

From The Guardian ● Jul. 30, 2011

Rizzio, scarcely knowing what he did, pressed close into the recess at the window, with his dagger drawn in one hand, and clasping the folds of Mary’s gown with the other.

From Life of Mary Queen of Scots, Volume I (of 2) by Henry Glassford Bell

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