An unforeseen or unexpected turn in a drama to produce a sensational effect. In ordinary life, something planned for effect. Burke and his dagger was meant for a coup de théâtre, but it…
(L'). A large reception-room (salle) in the palace of Versailles, lighted by round windows so called. The ceiling, decorated by Van der Meulen, contained likenesses of the children of…
(French). A sudden stroke; a stratagem whereby something is effected suddenly. Sometimes called a coup only, as “The coup [the scheme] did not answer.” “London is not to be taken by a coup…
A corruption of Fleur-de-Lis. (See Flag .) In Italian the white iris is called fiordilisa. Made thus. “They may give the dozen white luces in their coat.” —Shakespeare: Merry Wives, i. 1…
In the reign of Louis VII. (1137-1180) the national standard was thickly charged with flowers. In 1365 the number was reduced by Charles VI. to three (the mystical church number). Guillim…
Olympe de Gouges(Marie Gouze)feminist, writerBorn: 1745?Birthplace: Montauban, Languedoc, France De Gouges was an ardent advocate of many human rights, especially equality for women, at a…
Robert De NiroactorBorn: 8/17/1943Birthplace: New York City Academy Award-winning actor known for his demanding, tough-guy roles in Martin Scorsese films. His films include The Godfather Part II (…
