Francis of As·si·si (?-s??z?, -s?, ?-s?s??), Saint 1182?-1226. Italian Roman Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan order (1209) and inspired followers with his devotion, simple living, and love of nature. He was canonized in 1228.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.Francis of Assisi n (Biography) Saint original name Giovanni di Bernardone. ?1181?1226, Italian monk; founder of the Franciscan order of friars. He is remembered for his humility and love for all creation and was the first person to exhibit stigmata (1224). Feast day: Oct 4 Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014Fran?cis of Assi?si n. Saint (Giovanni Francesco Bernardone),1182??1226, Italian friar: founder of the Franciscan order. Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.