napoleon

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun French general who became emperor of the French (1769-1821)
  2. noun a rectangular piece of pastry with thin flaky layers and filled with custard cream
  3. noun a card game similar to whist; usually played for stakes

Etymology

Borrowed from French Napoléon (“a given name, usually in reference to Napoleon Bonaparte”). In reference to coins, via French napoléon (“(slang) a coin that originally had the appearance of Napoleon's face in the obverse”). In reference to guns and possibly cards, a reference to Napoleon III.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Napoleon I, Napoleon Bonaparte, Bonaparte, Little Corporal

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