François Alexandre Aubert de La Chenaye-Desbois (17 June 1699 – 29 February 1783)[1] was a French writer, genealogist and compiler.
[2] The first edition with the title Dictionnaire généalogique, héraldique, chronologique et historique was published by Duchesne in seven volumes (1757–1765).
[3] The second edition with the title Dictionnaire de la noblesse... ("Dictionary of Nobility...") was published by Duchesne in 15 volumes (1770–1786).
[6] The dictionary's full name is Dictionnaire de la noblesse, contenant les généalogies, l'histoire & la chronologie des familles nobles de la France, l'explication de leurs armes et l'état des grandes terres du royaume, possédées à titre de Principautés, Duchés, Marquisats, Comtés, Vicomtés, Baronnies, etc., par création, héritages, alliances, donations, substitutions, mutations, achats ou autrement.
In English, this translates roughly to Dictionary of the nobles; containing the genealogies, history, and timeline of noble families of France; the explanation of their coats of arms, and the state of the domains; those having the titles of Prince, Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, Baron, etc., by creation, heritage, alliance, donation, substitution, transfer, sale, or other.