Fleur De Lis
in botany, various In species of the genus iris; also Phalangium liliago, a liliaceous plant. heraldry, the royal insignia of France.
Its origin is disputed; by some it is supposed to represent a lily, by others the iron head of some weapon. In the old time the French Royal banner was sémé of lys, that is, completely covered with fleurs de lis; but from the time of Charles VI. it has consisted of three golden fleurs de lis on a blue field. It is of frequent occurrence in English armory. From the claims invariably put forth by English sovereigns to certain principalities in France, gained by inheritance or marriage, the French royal coat appeared as a quartering in the English royal arms; and though all such FLEURUS claims had long ceased to be enforced or justified, it remained till the accession of George IV., by whom it was abolished.