maréchal de France

The title "maréchal de France" (marshal of France) historically designated the highest-ranking officer in the French military. This rank evolved from the Frankish "masters of the horse" and, by the 13th century, became a prominent commander of royal forces and a great officer of state. The office was instituted under King Philip II and the number of marshals varied over centuries, eventually being abolished during the French Revolution. Napoleon later created marshals of the empire, and his successors adapted the title to maréchal de France, often conferring it as a rare honor, typically in wartime. The term "monseigneur" was also used as a title preceding that of marshals of France.12