Ronsard, Pierre de, a French poet; born in Vendomois, France, Sept. 11, 1524. After a short diplomatic career, he devoted himself to literary studies and became the chief of the band of seven poets afterward known as the "Pléiade." Ronsard's popularity and prosperity during his life were very great. Henry II., Francis II., and Charles IX. esteemed him, and the last signally honored the poet. He died Dec. 27, 1585.
Entry from Everybody's Cyclopedia,
1912.