chatelaine

[ shat-l-eyn; French shahtuh-len ]

noun

, plural chat·e·laines [shat, -l-eynz, shaht, uh, -, len].

1. the mistress of a castle.
2. the mistress of an elegant or fashionable household.
3. a hooklike clasp or a chain for suspending keys, trinkets, scissors, a watch, etc., worn at the waist by women.
4. a woman's lapel ornament resembling this.

chatelaine

/ ˈʃætəˌleɪn; ʃɑtlɛn /

noun

1. (esp formerly) the mistress of a castle or fashionable household
2. a chain or clasp worn at the waist by women in the 16th to the 19th centuries, with handkerchief, keys, etc, attached
3. a decorative pendant worn on the lapel

Word History and Origins

Origin of chatelaine¹

From the French word châtelaine, dating back to 1835–45. See chatelain

Example Sentences

She was a tiny thing, in a marvellous frock and a flowery hat and a silver girdle and chatelaine.

From Project Gutenberg

His voice trembled with the agony of love and pain, as she drew the solitaire out of the chatelaine bag at her belt.

From Project Gutenberg

For the last year Dinah had played the chatelaine, and spent the winter only at La Baudraye.

From Project Gutenberg

The natural servant wears her apron smartly; the born chatelaine with an inimitable grace.

From Project Gutenberg

The fame of the brilliant and beautiful Baroness Wrangell, first chatelaine of the castle, lives after her.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• girlfriend
• paramour
• sweetheart