arch-royalist
|arch-roy-al-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˌɑrtʃˈrɔɪəlɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌɑːtʃˈrɔɪəlɪst/
extreme supporter of the monarchy
Etymology
'arch-royalist' is a compound formed from the prefix 'arch-' (from Greek 'arkhos' meaning 'chief, principal') and 'royalist' (from French 'royaliste', from Old French 'roial' and Latin 'regalis', ultimately from Latin 'rex' meaning 'king').
The element 'arch-' comes from Greek 'arkhos' and entered English via Latin/Old French prefixes; 'royalist' developed from French 'royaliste' (17th century) and Middle English 'royal' (from Old French 'roial'), so 'arch-royalist' arose by compounding the intensive prefix with 'royalist' to denote an extreme supporter of the monarchy.
Originally the prefix 'arch-' meant 'chief' or 'principal', and when combined with 'royalist' it emphasized a primary or prominent royalist; over time the compound came to mean an especially extreme or zealous supporter of the monarchy.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an especially extreme or zealous supporter of the monarchy; a staunch royalist.
He was an arch-royalist who refused to consider any form of constitutional reform.
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Adjective 1
extremely supportive of the monarchy; characterized by strong, uncompromising royalist views.
She took an arch-royalist stance in debates over the succession.
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Last updated: 2026/01/13 01:16