Panache
Encyclopedia
Panache is a word of French origin that carries the connotation of a flamboyant manner and reckless courage.
The literal translation is a plume
, such as is worn on a hat or a helmet, but the reference is to King Henry IV of France
(13 December 1553 – 14 May 1610). Pleasure-loving and cynical, but a brave military leader and the best-loved of the kings of France, he was famed for wearing a striking white plume in his helmet and for his war cry: "Follow my white plume!" (Fr. "Ralliez-vous à mon panache blanc!").
depiction of Cyrano de Bergerac
, in his play of that name
.
(Prior to Rostand, panache was not necessarily a good thing, and was seen by some as a suspect quality).
Panache is referred to explicitly at two points in the play, but is implicit throughout: For example, Cyrano's challenges to Montfleury, Valvert, and at one point, the whole audience, at the theatre (Act I) and his nonchalant surrender of a months' salary to pay for the damages; his duel with a hundred footpads at the Porte de Nesle (Act II), and his dismissal of the exploit when talking to Roxane ("I've been much braver since then"); his crossing the Spanish lines daily to deliver Roxane's letters (Act IV); and his leaving his death-bed in order to keep his appointment with her in Act V.
The explicit references bring in the double meaning: First, in Act IV, when sparring with De Guiche over the loss of his (de Guiche's) white sash, he says, "I hardly think King Henry would have doffed his white panache in any danger." And finally, Cyrano's last words were "... yet there is something still that will always be mine, and when I go to God's presence, there I'll doff it and sweep the heavenly pavement with a gesture — something I'll take unstained out of this world... my panache."
In Canada, the word panache also means antlers such as those of a moose or deer.
The literal translation is a plume
Hackle
The hackle is a clipped feather plume that is attached to a military headdress.In the British Army and the armies of some Commonwealth countries the hackle is worn by some infantry regiments, especially those designated as fusilier regiments and those with Scottish and Northern Irish origins. The...
, such as is worn on a hat or a helmet, but the reference is to King Henry IV of France
Henry IV of France
Henry IV , Henri-Quatre, was King of France from 1589 to 1610 and King of Navarre from 1572 to 1610. He was the first monarch of the Bourbon branch of the Capetian dynasty in France....
(13 December 1553 – 14 May 1610). Pleasure-loving and cynical, but a brave military leader and the best-loved of the kings of France, he was famed for wearing a striking white plume in his helmet and for his war cry: "Follow my white plume!" (Fr. "Ralliez-vous à mon panache blanc!").
Cyrano de Bergerac
The epitome of panache and the reason for its establishment as a virtue are found in Rostand'sEdmond Rostand
Edmond Eugène Alexis Rostand was a French poet and dramatist. He is associated with neo-romanticism, and is best known for his play Cyrano de Bergerac. Rostand's romantic plays provided an alternative to the naturalistic theatre popular during the late nineteenth century...
depiction of Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac
Hercule-Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac was a French dramatist and duelist. He is now best remembered for the works of fiction which have been woven, often very loosely, around his life story, most notably the 1897 play by Edmond Rostand...
, in his play of that name
Cyrano de Bergerac (play)
Cyrano de Bergerac is a play written in 1897 by Edmond Rostand. Although there was a real Cyrano de Bergerac, the play bears very scant resemblance to his life....
.
(Prior to Rostand, panache was not necessarily a good thing, and was seen by some as a suspect quality).
Panache is referred to explicitly at two points in the play, but is implicit throughout: For example, Cyrano's challenges to Montfleury, Valvert, and at one point, the whole audience, at the theatre (Act I) and his nonchalant surrender of a months' salary to pay for the damages; his duel with a hundred footpads at the Porte de Nesle (Act II), and his dismissal of the exploit when talking to Roxane ("I've been much braver since then"); his crossing the Spanish lines daily to deliver Roxane's letters (Act IV); and his leaving his death-bed in order to keep his appointment with her in Act V.
The explicit references bring in the double meaning: First, in Act IV, when sparring with De Guiche over the loss of his (de Guiche's) white sash, he says, "I hardly think King Henry would have doffed his white panache in any danger." And finally, Cyrano's last words were "... yet there is something still that will always be mine, and when I go to God's presence, there I'll doff it and sweep the heavenly pavement with a gesture — something I'll take unstained out of this world... my panache."
Current use
Panache is now used to describe a dashing confidence of style, or a certain flamboyance and courage, and is a familiar word now in English. Its meaning has also been extended to include anything capable of displaying such attributes.In Canada, the word panache also means antlers such as those of a moose or deer.