(Peter), one of the finest writers in Europe, was born at Chartres in 1625, of a conspicuous family. He adhered to the Jansenists; and joined in the composition of several works with Mr Arnauld, whose faithful companion he was during the 10 or 12 years of his retirement. He gave a Latin translation of Pascal's Provincialités, and added a commentary to them. One of his finest works is his États de Morale. He wrote very subtilly against the Protestants. His treatise on the unity of the church is esteemed a masterly piece. He died at Paris in 1695, a few days after the publication of his treatise concerning the Quietists. He was well skilled in polite literature. To him is ascribed a collection of Latin epigrams, and of Greek, Spanish, and Italian sentences, which has borne several impressions, and has a learned preface to it.