CHAPELAIN, JAMES, an eminent French poet, born at Paris in 1595, and often mentioned in the works of Balzac, Menage, and other learned men. He wrote several works, and at length distinguished himself by a heroic poem called La Pucelle, ou France Delivrée, which employed him several years; and which raised the expectation of the public, was as much desired by some as extolled by others. He was one of the king's counsellors; and died in 1647, very rich, but was very covetous and sordid.