noun
- Plural of dauphine; wives or consorts of the Dauphin (the heir to the French throne).
Usage: historical; formal
Examples
- The dauphines of France held significant influence at court during the ancien régime.
- Historical records document the roles and responsibilities of various dauphines throughout French history.
- The dauphines were often involved in diplomatic marriages to strengthen alliances.
- Court etiquette dictated strict protocols for the dauphines' public appearances.