The New International Encyclopædia/Biron, Armand de Gontault

BIRON, bḗ'rṓN', Armand de Gontault (1524-92). A French soldier. He became grand master of artillery in 1569, and was in command at the siege of Rochelle and in Guienne. After the assassination of Henry III., who had appointed him marshal in 1577, he was among the first to declare for Henry IV. He brought a part of Normandy under subjection, and dissuaded Henry from going into England; distinguished himself in the battles of Arques and Ivry against the League, and was killed by a cannon-shot at the siege of Epernay.