Richard Coeur de Lion
1
8.8
- proper noun
- On his return journey from the Crusades, Richard Coeur de Lion was famously captured and held for ransom.
Examples
-
Many legends celebrate Richard Coeur de Lion as one of England's most valiant kings.
-
The stories of Richard Coeur de Lion inspired generations with tales of bravery and chivalry.
-
Is Richard Coeur de Lion a legendary king?
-
Many stories celebrate Richard Coeur de Lion as a heroic figure.
-
Many legends celebrate Richard Coeur de Lion as one of England's most valiant kings.
-
On his return journey from the Crusades, Richard Coeur de Lion was famously captured and held for ransom.
-
The stories of Richard Coeur de Lion inspired generations with tales of bravery and chivalry.
Synonyms
1
8.8
King of England from 1189 to 1199 known for bravery during the Third Crusade
1
7.4
A king of England from 1189 to 1199 who fought in the Third Crusade and was called the Lionheart
1
8.4
A king of England who led soldiers in the Third Crusade and is famous as a warrior
1
8.0
King of England from 1189 to 1199 who led armies in the Third Crusade and is called the Lionheart
Surface Forms
Morphology
Richard + Coeur + de + lion
The phrase literally reads as 'Richard heart of lion' (Coeur de Lion = heart of a lion), so a learner who knows 'coeur' (heart), 'de' (of) and 'lion' can infer a metaphorical meaning of being 'lion‑hearted' or courageous. However, it is a historical French epithet and a proper name rather than a regular English compositional pattern, so the form and cultural reference reduce full predictability.
Etymology
Richard Coeur de Lion is a nickname from old French meaning 'heart of a lion'; Coeur means 'heart' and Lion means 'lion'. People gave this name to King Richard because of his bravery in battle, so the name shows he was seen as very brave and strong.