lèse-majesté

noun

lèse-ma·​jes·​té ˌlāz-ˈma-jə-stē 

ˌlez-,

ˌlēz-

variants or lese majesty

1

a

: 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) came 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, but lèse-majesté has also acquired a more lighthearted or ironic meaning, referring to something that insults or shows disrespect, especially 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.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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