noun
cavalier
A mounted gentleman or soldier.
The cavalier rides toward the gate with his sword at his side.
Etymology
Italian cavaliere named a horseman or knight. The word carries the link between mounted service and gentlemanly status into its English sense of a mounted gentleman or soldier.
More examples
- A courteous cavalier escorts the lady to her carriage.
- The painting shows an elegantly dressed cavalier.
- Several mounted cavaliers accompany the royal party.
Forms
cavalier · cavaliers
Similar words
- horseman
- Specifically a rider without necessarily gentlemanly status.
- knight
- A more specific social or military title.