Etienne Balize, a French historian, born at Tulle, Dec. 24, 1630, died in Paris, July 28, 1718. He studied jurisprudence at Toulouse, where he became secretary of the archbishop. In 1667 Colbert made him his librarian, and in 1670 he was appointed professor of canon law in Paris, retaining these offices till 1700. Louis XIV. placed him in 1707 at the head of the royal college, but, displeased with his Histoire generate de la maison d'Auvergne (2 vols., 1708-'9), caused his work to be suppressed, threw him into prison, and confiscated his property. He was set at liberty in 1713, but did not recover his position. Besides 1,500 MSS. in the national library of Paris, he left 45 printed works, including Begum Francorvm Capitularia (new ed., 2 vols., Paris, 1780), and Miscellanea (7 vols., 1678-1715; new ed., 4 vols., Lucca, 1761). He was a prominent champion of the liberties of the Gallican church, and his Vies des papes d'Avignon (2 vols., 1693) was placed on the Index by the Roman see. He rendered great services to literature by collecting authentic MSS., comparing them with printed editions, and publishing annotations full of erudition. His house was a favorite resort of scientific and literary men, whom he assisted in every way.

He introduced the custom of long banquets for the promotion of intellectual intercourse, which became so fashionable during the 18th century.