"Marquise" is a word that has many meanings and foreign origins. Many people know that they designate one of the titles of nobility. But what else is called this term? Read more about who this Marquise is in the proposed review.
Word in dictionary
There are several definitions of "Marquise". These include the following:
The first of these is the wife or daughter of a man holding the title of Marquis, between a count and a duke
- Ring with stones set in an oval setting.
- Oval gemstone cut shape.
To help understand the meaning of the word "marquise" will help its origin.
Etymology
It was formed from the French noun marquise, which, in turn, comes from marquis, which means "marquis". The latter came from the Old French language, where there is the word marchis, which translates as "ruler of the frontier mark." It is rooted in the Proto-Germanic language, formed from the form marko. Also descended from her:
- Old English (West Saxon)mearc;
- Mercian merc;
- English mark;
- Old Norse merki;
- Gothic marka;
- German mark.
These lexemes have the meaning "border land", "border" and go back to the Proto-Indo-European noun mereg, which translates as "edge".
What other "marquises" are there?
In addition to the indicated meanings, the studied word has others. Here are some of them.
- In architecture, a "marquise" is a building element related to the facade. It is a light canopy or cap covered with iron or glass. Sometimes it is arranged above the front doors of hotels, theaters, train stations to protect them from rain and snow.
- In many languages, including Russian, this term is used to call a fabric canopy located outside above a window or balcony, which serves to protect from the sun. It is made from linen or canvas. Since such a device is collapsible, it is removed in cloudy weather.
- In 1997, Vera Belmont filmed the feature film "Marquise". It tells about the turbulent life of a lady named Duparc. The action takes place during the reign of Louis XIV. The beautiful courtesan, who grew up in poverty, managed to seduce many noble men. She reached the highest position in society. Neither Racine, nor Moliere, nor the "Sun King" himself could resist her charms. The plot was based on the biography of the French actress Teresa de Gorla.
Who is thisMarquis?
This title is the French variant of the Latinized form marchisus. It is derived from "markgrave" (markgraf) - a Germanic title. During the Carolingian times (751 to 987) it was worn by counts whose possessions were in the Marches, strategically important border regions.
The title was first granted to Louis de Villeneuve, ambassador in Rome, in 1505. He became the Marquis de Trans. This title in terms of nobility became the third in France. To be elevated to this rank, it was necessary to have the following types of possessions: three baronies plus three shateleny, which were dependent on the king. There was another option - two baronies and six wanderers.
Over time, this rule was no longer observed. At the end of the 17th century, a simple co-owner seigneur could also become a marquis. Often the title was given to financiers and tax-farmers.
