Definition of Philip
the name of six kings of France. Philip I (1052–1108), reigned 1059–1108. Philip II (1165–1223), son of Louis VII; reigned 1180–1223; known as Philip Augustus. After mounting a series of campaigns against the English kings Henry II, Richard I, and John, Philip succeeded in regaining Normandy in 1204, Anjou in 1204, and most of Poitou in 1204–05. Philip III (1245–85), reigned 1270–85; known as Philip the Bold. Philip IV (1268–1314), son of Philip III; reigned 1285–1314; known as Philip the Fair. He continued to extend French dominions, waging wars with England from 1294 until 1303 and with Flanders 1302–05. Philip V (1293–1322), reigned 1316–22; known as Philip the Tall. Philip VI (1293–1350), reigned 1328–50; known as Philip of Valois. The founder of the Valois dynasty, Philip came to the throne on the death of Charles IV, whose only child was a girl and barred from ruling. His claim was challenged by Edward III of England; the dispute developed into the Hundred Years War.
