DAUPHIN

The well-known title of the heir apparent to the crown of France, before the Revolution, was that of the counts or lords of Vienne in Dauphine, from the 12th century, or an earlier period: its origin cannot be ascertained. From the last male of that ancient house the title pa ed to his heirs, the house of Burgundy; and from them to the family of La Tour Dupin, of whom Humbert II. surrendered his principality in 1349 to Charles, grandson of Philip of Valois: from which period the principality of Dauphine continued to be the apanage, and the title of Dauphin the appellation, of the king's eldest son. The name of the province is derived frqm the title of its lords. DAVIT. a piece of timber used in managing the anchor. [s. 328]