fainéant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The best answer can be found in the story of the Colony, for the General Assembly, at all events, has never been a fainéant ruler.

From The Long White Cloud by Reeves, William Pember

The situation was that in which the fainéant king accepts the act of the mayor of the palace because it is Hobson’s choice.

From The Dust Flower by Kline, Hibberd V. B. (Hibberd Van Buren)

Let me tell you, Lady Glencora, that a fainéant government is not the worst government that England can have.

From Phineas Finn The Irish Member by Trollope, Anthony

To be a fainéant ruler was in direct antagonism both to his conscience and his predilections.

From The Prime Minister by Trollope, Anthony

Accomplished antiquarians and “commissioners” assisted him in his labours; but he was no roi fainéant on the editorial sofa which he so complacently describes.

From Dickens English Men of Letters by Ward, Adolphus William, Sir