Christian

[ch = k]. The hero of John Bunyan's allegory called The Pilgrim's Progress. He flees from the “City of Destruction,” and journeys to the “Celestial City.” He starts with a heavy burden on his back, but it falls off when he stands at the foot of the cross.

Christian.

A follower of Christ. So called first at Antioch (Acts xi. 26). Most Christian Doctor. John Charlier de Gerson (1363-1429).

Most Christian King.

The style of the King of France. (1469.)

Pepin le Bref was so styled by Pope Stephen III. (714-768).

Charles le Chauve was so styled by the council of Savonnières (823, 840-877). Louis XI. was so styled by Pope Paul II. (1423, 1461-1483).

Since which time (1469) it was universally adopted in the French monarchy.

“And thou, O Gaul, with gaudy trophies plumed, `Most Christian king.' Alas! in vain assumed.”

Camoens: Lusiad, book vii.

Founder of Christian Eloquence.

Louis Bordaloue, the French preacher (1632-1704).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894