fleur-de-lis
UK[ˌflɜː də ˈliː]US[ˌflɜːr də ˈliːs]
n
a stylized lily composed of three petals bound together near their bases, used especially as the former royal arms of france.
n
any of several irises, especially a species (iris germanica) having large fragrant flowers.
Etymology
the term "fleur-de-lis" entered english in the mid-14th century directly from old french, where it literally meant "flower of the lily." the french phrase itself is a combination of "fleur" (flower), from latin flōrem, and "lis" (lily), from latin līlium. the iconic stylized design, though named for the lily, is thought by some scholars to have been originally inspired by the iris flower or even by a stylized representation of a spearhead or a bee. as a heraldic symbol, it became indelibly associated with the french monarchy and, by extension, with concepts of purity, light, and royal authority, later adopted in various coats of arms, decorative arts, and as a name for the iris flower.
Analysis
the word is a direct loan from old french, where it was a fixed compound phrase meaning "flower of the lily." it is not productively segmented in english.
Examples
the fleur-de-lis was prominently displayed on the shield of the french king.
the garden was filled with the purple blooms of the fleur-de-lis.
the city's flag features a golden fleur-de-lis on a field of blue.