Definitions

1. noun

A title of respect given to the wife of a French king, equivalent to ‘queen’.

“The Mme Maintenon was a powerful influence on the king’s decisions.”

2. proper noun

The title of the wife of Louis XIV of France, Françoise d’Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon.

“Françoise d’Aubigné, the Marquise de Maintenon, played a crucial role in the French court.”