Jean Lafitte

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A French pirate who helped the Americans in the War of 1812 and later received a pardon

proper noun
/ʒɑ̃ ləˈfiːt/

: Jean Lafitte

The famous French pirate, Jean Lafitte, played a key role in the War of 1812.

Examples

During the War of 1812, Jean Lafitte offered his support to the Americans in exchange for a pardon.
Many stories about Jean Lafitte's secret hideouts have become part of Louisiana folklore.
The legend of Jean Lafitte continues to fascinate historians and treasure hunters alike.
Did Jean Lafitte really help the Americans during the war?
During the War of 1812, Jean Lafitte offered his support to the Americans in exchange for a pardon.
The famous French pirate, Jean Lafitte, played a key role in the War of 1812.
Many stories about Jean Lafitte's secret hideouts have become part of Louisiana folklore.

Surface Forms

Jean Lafitte main

Morphology

Jean + Lafitte

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical individual; knowing the constituent words (two name forms) does not let a learner infer that he was a French pirate who aided the United States. Proper names are indexical rather than compositional, so the biographical and historical meaning cannot be derived from the parts without prior exposure.

Etymology

Jean Lafitte was a French pirate who ran secret hideouts near New Orleans and led a band of smugglers. One famous story says he helped the United States at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 in return for a pardon, so his name now brings to mind 'pirates', 'secret hideouts', and daring help.