Cœur, Jacques

( kür,) a merchant and royal treasurer of France, B. towards the end of the 14th century. His vast commercial enterprise attracted the attention of Charles VII., who appointed him treasurer and intrusted him with diplomatic mi ions in Italy. C. contributed $200,000 to help the king in rescuing Normandy from the English. His influence became so great as to give offence to envious persons. They unjustly charged him with having poisoned Agnes Sorel, the mistre of the king, and caused him to be arrested, and his vast property to be confiscated, 1451. In 1455, he effected his escape from prison, and repaired to Rome, where he was kindly received by Pope Calixtus III., who selected him as captain-general of a fleet against the Turks. C. died in this expedition, 1456.