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lèse–majesté

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noun lèse–ma·jes·té \ˌlāz-ˈma-jə-stē, ˌlez-, ˌlēz-\

variants: or

lese majesty

Definition of lèse–majesté

1a : a crime (such as treason) committed against a sovereign powerb : an offense violating the dignity of a ruler as the representative of a sovereign power
2 : a detraction from or affront to dignity or importance

Origin and Etymology of lèse–majesté

Middle French lese majesté, from Latin laesa majestas, literally, injured majesty

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First Known Use: 1536

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