Madame du Barry

1 9.9

A French woman who became the main royal lover of King Louis XV and was executed during the French Revolution

proper noun

: Madame du Barry

The tragic fate of Madame du Barry during the Revolution exemplifies the dangers faced by the aristocracy.

Examples

Historians often debate the political power that Madame du Barry held at the court of Louis XV.
Madame du Barry was famed for her beauty and her influence over the French king.
Madame du Barry was executed!
Madame du Barry influenced fashion.
Madame du Barry was a prominent figure in the court of King Louis XV, known for her influential presence and charm.
Historians often highlight the significant role that Madame du Barry played in shaping the politics of 18th-century France.
The execution of Madame du Barry serves as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.

Synonyms

Marie Jeanne Bécu

vsMadame du Barry

9.9

A French woman at court and the last mistress of King Louis XV executed during the French Revolution

is the same person but named by a court title rather than birth name

Surface Forms

Madame du Barry main

Morphology

madame + du + Barry

This is a French proper name built from the title 'Madame' plus a surname; a learner who knows the constituents will recognize it as the name of a woman (likely of French origin). However, the detailed historical identity and biographical meaning (chief mistress of Louis XV, executed during the Revolution) cannot be inferred from the parts alone, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Madame du Barry was a real woman who rose from a poor background to become King Louis XV's main mistress and a powerful 'favourite' at court. She was later put to death during the French Revolution, so her name often brings to mind someone who had great royal favour but then suffered a sudden, dramatic fall from power.