Pronunciation: ā -m ē -nä n s- ' gr ē z
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural éminences grises \ same \
Etymology: F, literally, gray eminence, nickname of Père Joseph (François du Tremblay) † 1638 French monk and diplomat, confidant of Cardinal Richelieu who was known as Éminence Rouge red eminence; from the colors of their respective habits
Date: 1925
1 : a confidential agent especially : one exercising unsuspected or unofficial power
2 : a respected authority specifically : ELDER STATESMAN <the éminence grise of classical music>