Thermidorian

Variant of Thermidor

Thermidor definition

Ther·mi·dor (t̸hʉr′mə dôr′; Fr ter mē dō̂r′)

noun

  1. the period in the French Revolution, beginning with the downfall of Robespierre (Jul 27, 1794) during which national reaction against Revolutionary excess, esp. of the Reign of Terror, shifted emphasis to moderation and the restoration of order
  2. any such period of reaction

Etymology: Fr, the eleventh month (Jul 19-Aug 17) of the French Revolutionary calendar < Gr thermē, heat (see warm) + dōron, gift

Related Forms:

  • Thermidorian Ther′·mi·do′·rian (-dôr′ē ən) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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