Literary notes about foudroyant (AI summary)
Literary authors employ "foudroyant" in dual capacities that enrich both historical narrative and vivid metaphor. On one hand, it designates distinguished naval vessels—most famously Admiral Nelson’s flagship, the Foudroyant—which comes to symbolize martial valor and storied maritime exploits [1][2][3]. On the other, the adjective "foudroyant" evokes sudden, brilliant effects reminiscent of a flash of lightning, as seen in phrases like "coup foudroyant" [4] or in descriptions of outcomes that are strikingly clear and overpowering [5]. This layered use enables the term to convey both concrete historic significance and an abstract sense of dazzling, transformative impact.
- Admiral Lord Nelson's flag-ship, the Foudroyant , was anchored off Liverpool.
— from The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 1, No. 35, July 8, 1897A Weekly Magazine for Boys and Girls by Various - The good old Foudroyant —how memory dwells on Those brave fighting names!—was once flag-ship to NELSON.
— from Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 103, September 24, 1892 by Various - The Foudroyant , which was taken into the service, was looked upon for many years as the finest ship in the British Navy.
— from How Britannia Came to Rule the WavesUpdated to 1900 by William Henry Giles Kingston - M. Jules Ferry had spoken of the necessity of inflicting a coup foudroyant .
— from Lord Lyons: A Record of British Diplomacy, Vol. 2 of 2 by Newton, Thomas Wodehouse Legh, Baron - The results had been foudroyant ... and simple.
— from Mrs. Warren's Daughter: A Story of the Woman's Movement by Harry Johnston
