lèse-majesté

noun

Save Word

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 power

b : 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

Did you know?

Lèse-majesté (or lese majesty, as it is also styled in English publications) comes into English by way of Middle French, from the Latin laesa majestas, which literally means "injured majesty." The English term can conceivably cover any offense against a sovereign power or its ruler, from treason to a simple breach of etiquette. Lèse-majesté has also acquired a more lighthearted or ironic meaning, referring to an insult or impudence to a particularly pompous or self-important person or organization. As such, it may be applied to a relatively inoffensive act that has been exaggeratedly treated as if it were a great affront.

Learn More About lèse-majesté

Listen to Our Podcast About lèse-majesté

Dictionary Entries Near lèse-majesté

Leschetizky

lèse-majesté

Les Eyzies

Statistics for lèse-majesté

Cite this Entry

“Lèse-majesté.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/l%C3%A8se-majest%C3%A9. Accessed 15 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA