noun
chevalier
shev-uh-LEER/ʃˌɛvʌlˈɪr/
A knight distinguished by honorable conduct.
The historical novel follows a young chevalier who serves his lord with honor.
Etymology
The “horseman” became specifically an armed rider of noble birth—a mounted knight. That association with knighthood connects the word to its use for a chivalrous gentleman.
In context
there rode the Sire Matefelon, a chevalier of gigantic size, who had killed heaps of English.
More examples
- The king welcomes the chevalier to his court.
- She calls him a true chevalier for his unfailing courtesy.
- Several armed chevaliers ride beside the carriage.
Forms
chevalier · chevaliers
Similar words
- knight
- Knight is the ordinary English term; chevalier has a French or literary flavor.