Dunois, Jean, comte de [key], c.1403–1468, French general, called the Bastard of Orléans; natural son of Louis, duc d'Orléans. He joined the Armagnacs in the civil war during the reign of King Charles VI and was captured (1418) by the Burgundians (see Armagnacs and Burgundians). Released in 1420, he entered the service of the dauphin (later King Charles VII of France) during the Hundred Years War. Dunois had charge of the defense of Orléans when it was relieved (1429) by Joan of Arc, joined her subsequent campaign, and took part in the coronation of Charles VII. In 1436 he aided in the capture of Paris. He received (1439) the county of Dunois from his half-brother Charles, duc d'Orléans. Charles VII later made him count of Longueville. Dunois was prominent in the conquest of Guienne and Normandy in the final years of the Hundred Years War. He participated in the Praguerie against Charles VII and was (1465) a leader of the League of the Public Weal against King Louis XI, but each time he regained favor at court.
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