1717–80, archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary and Bohemia (1740–80); the daughter and heiress of Emperor Charles VI of Austria; the wife of Emperor Francis I; the mother of Emperor Joseph II. In the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48) she was confirmed in all her possessions except Silesia, which she attempted unsuccessfully to regain in the Seven Years' War (1756–63)
Maria Theresa in American English
1717-80; archduchess of Austria: wife of Francis I (1708-65), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire: dowager empress (1765-80): queen of Bohemia & Hungary (1740-80): mother of Marie Antoinette