Despard’s Plot.
A conspiracy, headed by Colonel Despard, a retired army officer, who had become imbued with the principles of the French Revolution, to assassinate George III, 1802. His accomplices were almost all men of the labouring classes. The conspirators were seized, and Despard and some others hanged.
Des-ri.
The king or political ruler of Thibet, to whom the functions of government are handed over by the Dalai Lama.
Destiny, Man of.
Napoleon I was so-called, owing to his firm belief in his lucky star.
Devil’s Parliament.
A Parliament summoned by Henry VI at Coventry in 1459. It passed a Bill of Attainder against the Yorkist leaders.
Devil’s Wall.
The wall which in ancient times separated England from Scotland.