roi fainéant
/ˌrwɑː ˈfeɪnɪənt/ /ˌrwɑː ˈfeɪneɪɒ̃/(also roi faineant)
noun
1Any of the later Merovingian kings, who increasingly played a ceremonial role with only nominal political power.
- The decline in the power of the Merovingian dynasty is typically taken to start after the death of Dagobert I in 639..
2Any king, ruler, or leader who has only nominal power.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Richardson (?1741–1795), orientalist. From French roi fainéant, lit. ‘sluggard king’ from roi + fainéant idler, sluggard.