Habsburg

/ˈhæpsbɜːrɡ/ noun

Definition

A member of the German royal dynasty that ruled the Holy Roman Empire and Austria-Hungary, one of history's most powerful and influential families.

Etymology

From Hawk's Castle (Habichtsburg) in Switzerland, where the family originated. The castle's name became the family surname, which rose to massive prominence by the 13th century.

Kelly Says

The Habsburgs ruled for 640 years—longer than almost any dynasty in history—and their strategy of marrying strategically rather than conquering gave us the saying 'Let others wage war, thou happy Austria, marry!' (Tu, felix Austria, nube!)

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