chevalier

noun

che·​va·​lier ˌshe-və-ˈlir How to pronounce chevalier (audio)
especially for senses 1b and 2 also
shə-ˈval-ˌyā How to pronounce chevalier (audio)
Synonyms of chevaliernext
1
a
: cavalier sense 2
b
: a member of any of various orders of knighthood or of merit (such as the Legion of Honor)
2
a
: a member of the lowest rank of French nobility
b
: a cadet of the French nobility
3
: a chivalrous man

Examples of chevalier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2021, Gaydos was named a chevalier/knight by France’s Ministry of Culture in recognition of his long career in entertainment. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025 But the trouble with chivalry is that the chevalier decides what is best for the lady without consulting her. — Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "knight, young nobleman who has devoted himself to a lady, member of an order conferring knighthood or another honor," going back to Old French chevaler, chevalier "mounted soldier, knight," going back to Late Latin caballārius "horseback rider, groom" (early Medieval Latin also "serf performing duties on horseback, mounted soldier") — more at cavalier entry 2

Note: Old French and Anglo-French chevaler was borrowed into Middle English as chevaler, chivaler, but this word appears to have become obsolescent by the seventeenth century, and the current word represents a reborrowing from Modern French.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of chevalier was in the 14th century

Rhymes for chevalier

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Cite this Entry

“Chevalier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chevalier. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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