douce·pere \ˈdüs(ə)ˌpi(ə)r, -pe(-\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English doseper, back-formation from doseperes, plural, the twelve peers of Charlemagne, from Old French doze pers, doze per, literally, twelve peers archaic: an illustrious noble; specifically: one of the twelve peers of Charlemagne's guard of honor