French ACADEMY, a society of forty, established for improving the French language.
This academy was founded by Cardinal Richelieu, and confirmed by the edict of Lewis XIII. in 1635. They have compiled a dictionary, intitled, Le Dictionnaire de l'academie Françoise. This work was begun in 1637, and finished in 1694. They have a director and chancellor, who are drawn by lot every three months, and a secretary who is perpetual. They meet at the old Louvre, on the Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, all the year round, and hold an extraordinary meeting at the reception of a new member, and on St Lewis's day, when the prizes of eloquence and poetry are adjudged.