noun
personage
PUR-suh-nij/ˈpɜːrsənɪdʒ/
An important or distinguished person.
The mayor welcomes each visiting personage with a formal reception.
Etymology
Old French personage meant both “size, stature” and “a dignitary.” The selected English sense preserves the latter meaning: not simply an individual, but someone of rank or distinction.
In context
his case it was combined with other qualities of a more attractive character which his mother did not possess he was of course as the Young Prince a very important personage
More examples
- Her grandfather was a celebrated personage in the theater world.
- Several prominent personages attend the museum's opening.
- The biography follows a minor official who becomes a powerful personage.
Forms
personage · personages