Tyrannicide was a 74-gun ship of the line of the French Navy. In 1794, under Alain Joseph Dordelin, she took part in the Glorious First of June. Along with Indomptable, she helped rescue the Montagne trapped in the midst of the British fleet. Under Zacharie Jacques Théodore Allemand, Tyrannicide was part of Bruix's squadron from March 1799 and took part in the Cruise of Bruix. Tyrannicide was renamed Desaix in August 1800 in honour of General Louis Desaix. Under Captain Jean-Anne Christy de la Pallière, she captured the 14-gun brig HMS Speedy, captained by Lord Cochrane, on 3 July 1801.