Category:Fleur-de-lis

Fleur`-de-lis`, n.; pl. Fleurs-de-lis. Etym: [F., flower of the lily. Cf. Flower-de-luce, Lily.]

1. (Bot.)

Defn: The iris. See Flower-de-luce.

2. A conventional flower suggested by the iris, and having a form which fits it for the terminal decoration of a scepter, the ornaments of a crown, etc. It is also a heraldic bearing, and is identified with the royal arms and adornments of France.

The fleur-de-lis is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fleur-de-lis is a French word meaning "flower of lily". Certain stylized versions of fleur-de-lis many times depict more of an iris than a lily.