roi fainéant

noun

roi fai·​né·​ant
rə¦wäˌfā(ˌ)nāˈäⁿ,
¦rw-
plural rois fainéants
"
: a do-nothing king
especially : one who has delegated or lost his royal power while still reigning

Word History

Etymology

French, faineant king

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of roi fainéant was in 1777

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Dictionary Entries Near roi fainéant

Cite this Entry

“Roi fainéant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roi%20fain%C3%A9ant. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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