This English word carries the connotation of a flamboyant manner and reckless courage.
The literal meaning of the word is a plume, such as is worn on a hat or a helmet, but the reference is to King Henri IV of France. Pleasure-loving and cynical, but a brave military leader, who is the best-loved of the kings of France, he was famed for wearing a striking white plume in his helmet, and for his war-cry "Follow my white plume!" (Fr. "Ralliez-vous à mon _____ blanc").
Edmond Rostand's depiction of Cyrano de Bergerac, in his play of the same name is responsible for its establishment as a virtue. (Prior to Rostand, the word was not necessarily a good thing, and was seen by some as a suspect quality).
Which word?
1 comment:
Mitesh here - the word i think is "panache"
Post a Comment