Mazarin

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A French cardinal and politician from the 17th century, known for influencing the young King Louis XIV and shaping French politics
2. A significant figure during the Fronde, who played a key role in consolidating royal power in France
3. The Italian-born statesman served as chief minister to Louis XIV, managing France's affairs during a crucial period of its history

Etymology: The name began as "Mazzarino," the surname of a man born in Italy who rose through papal diplomacy before entering French service, where it was refashioned as "Mazarin." His name became a French word during the Fronde, a period of civil unrest in which opponents flooded Paris with satirical pamphlets against him. These pamphlets became known as "mazarinades," and the term outlived the quarrel as a name for such political lampoons. His name also survives in a famous book. The Bibliothèque Mazarine, the library he founded, held a copy of the early printed Bible that now bears its name as the Mazarine Bible.