WordNet-Online
Free dictionary and thesaurus of English. Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and more...
Hint: double-click any word to get it searched!

Google
 

lettre de cachet

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun lettre de cachet has 1 sense
  1. cachet, lettre de cachet - a warrant formerly issued by a French king who could warrant imprisonment or death in a signed letter under his seal
    --1 is a kind of warrant

Definitions from the Web

Lettre de cachet

Description

A lettre de cachet is a special sealed letter issued by a person in authority, particularly in France, giving orders or directives. Historically, it was commonly used by the French monarchy to detain or imprison someone without formal trial or public knowledge.

Senses

1. Historical Usage

In the historical context, lettre de cachet refers to a letter issued by the French monarchy to imprison or confine someone without legal proceedings. It was a powerful tool often used arbitrarily.

Example: The lettre de cachet was frequently abused, leading to numerous cases of unjust incarcerations during the reign of Louis XVI.

2. Modern Usage

In contemporary usage, lettre de cachet may refer to any authoritative letter or directive, though the historical connotation remains.

Example: The CEO issued a lettre de cachet to all employees, outlining the new company policies.

Related Products

Explore related products on Amazon:

letting letting down letting off steam letting up lettings lettish lettob lettre lettre de cachet lettres lettuce letup letztlich leu leuage leucadendron leucadendron argenteum

Sponsored (shop thru our affiliate link to help maintain this site):

WordNet-Online
Home | Free dictionary software | Copyright notice | Contact us | Network & desktop search | Search My Network | LAN Find | Reminder software | Software downloads | WordNet dictionary | Automotive thesaurus