The spirit displayed by old French royalty? (7)
I believe the answer is:
bourbon
This might be a double definition.
'the spirit' is the first definition.
'old french royalty?' is the second definition.
'Bourbon' can be an answer for 'royalty?' (Bourbon is an example). I am not certain of the 'old french' bit.
'displayed by' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bourbon that I've seen before include "Rye whisky; biscuit" , "A drink" , "Maize whiskey" , "Henry of Navarre, for one" , "10" .)