Legal Definitions - Dieu et mon droit

Definition: Dieu et mon droit (dyuu ay mawndrwah) is a French phrase that means "God and my right." It is the motto of the royal arms of England and has been used by many monarchs throughout history.

Example: The phrase was first used by Richard I and was used by almost all monarchs from Edward III to William III, who used a different motto, "je maintiendrey." Queen Anne used Elizabeth I's motto, "semper eadem," but Dieu et mon droit has been used since her death.

Explanation: The example shows how the phrase has been used by many monarchs throughout history, except for a few who used different mottos. It also shows how the phrase has been used consistently since Queen Anne's death. The phrase represents the monarch's belief that their power comes from God and that they have the right to rule.