From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary EnglishPétain, Marshal HenriMarshal Henri PétainPé‧tain, Marshal Hen‧ri /peˈtæŋ, ˈɒnri $ ɑːnˈri/ (1856–1951) a French soldier and politician who was one of the main military commanders of World War I. During World War II, he became prime minister of France and was head of the right wing government in Vichy, which helped the Nazi army that controlled France. After the war he was put in prison for being a collaborator (=someone who helps an enemy during war).