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blazonry

(Encyclopedia)blazonry blāˈzənrē [key], science of describing or depicting armorial bearings. The introduction, since the Middle Ages, of artificial rules and fanciful medieval terms has complicated the science...

Dermot McMurrough

(Encyclopedia)Dermot McMurrough or Diarmiud mac Murchada both: dûrˈmət məkmŭrˈə [key], 1110–71, Irish king of Leinster. He became involved in a complicated feud, partly because he abducted a neighbor's wif...

bookplate

(Encyclopedia)bookplate, label pasted in a book to indicate ownership, also called ex libris [Lat.,=from the books of]. The bookplate is usually of paper on which heraldic or other designs are engraved or printed. ...

Montfort, Simon de, earl of Leicester

(Encyclopedia)Montfort, Simon de, earl of Leicester, 1208?–1265, leader of the baronial revolt against Henry III of England. By 1258 Simon was an active member of the baronial opposition that forced the king to...

Delaney, Shelagh

(Encyclopedia)Delaney, Shelagh shēˈlə [key], 1939–, English playwright, b. Salford, Lancashire. Her first play, written when she was only 17, was A Taste of Honey (1958), about a young working-class girl who r...

Lahr, Bert

(Encyclopedia)Lahr, Bert, 1895–1967, American comic actor, b. New York City, originally named Irving Lahrheim. Lahr first performed in burlesque and vaudeville, where he became known for his morose facial express...

Woodville, Elizabeth

(Encyclopedia)Woodville, Elizabeth, 1437–92, queen consort of Edward IV of England. She was the daughter of Richard Woodville (later the 1st Earl Rivers). Her first husband, Sir John Grey, was killed fighting on ...

Gramont, Agénor, prince de Bidache, duc de Guiche et de

(Encyclopedia)Gramont, Agénor, prince de Bidache, duc de Guiche et de äzhānôrˈ prăNsˈ də bēdäshˈ dük də gēsh ā də grämôNˈ [key], 1819–80, French diplomat. He served as plenipotentiary at Stuttg...

Hugh of Saint Victor

(Encyclopedia)Hugh of Saint Victor, 1096–1141, French or German philosopher and theologian, a canon regular of the monastery of St. Victor, Paris, from c.1115. In 1133 he was made head of the monastery school, wh...

Mahotella Queens

(Encyclopedia)Mahotella Queens mäˌhətĕlˈə [key], South African vocal group formed in 1964 by songwriter Robert Bopape. One of the most popular dance bands in South Africa, they often perform with the support ...