chevalier

¹

[ shev-uh-leer shuh-val-yey, -vahl- ]

noun

1. a member of certain orders of honor or merit:

   a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

2. French History. the lowest title of rank in the old nobility.
3. a chivalrous man; cavalier.
4. Archaic. a knight.

Chevalier

²

[ shuh-val-yey, -vahl-; French shuh-va-lyey ]

noun

1. Mau·rice (Au·guste) [maw-, rees, , aw, -g, uh, st, moh-, rees, oh-, gyst], 1888–1972, French actor and singer.

Chevalier

¹

noun

1. ˌʃɛvəˈlɪə ChevalierAlbert18611923MBritishTHEATRE: music-hall entertainer Albert. 1861–1923, British music hall entertainer, remembered for his cockney songs
2. ˌʃɛˈvælɪəʃəvalje ChevalierMaurice18881972MFrenchMUSIC: singerFILMS AND TV: actor Maurice (mɔris). 1888–1972, French singer and film actor

chevalier

²

/ ˌʃɛˈvælɪə /

noun

1. a member of certain orders of merit, such as the French Legion of Honour
2. French history
   1. a mounted soldier or knight, esp a military cadet
   2. the lowest title of rank in the old French nobility
3. an archaic word for knight
4. a chivalrous man; gallant

Word History and Origins

Origin of chevalier¹

1250–1300; < Middle French; replacing late Middle English chivaler < Anglo-French. See cavalier

Word History and Origins

Origin of chevalier¹

C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin caballārius horseman, cavalier

Example Sentences

For her support of its cultural institutions, the French government inducted her into the Order of Arts and Letters as a chevalier.

From New York Times

Four years earlier, France had given her similar recognition, naming her a chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.

From New York Times

Tanner was made an honorary chevalier, or knighthood, of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, for his achievements.

From New York Times

He caught the attention of King Louis XV, who named him a chevalier.

From Seattle Times

She smiled at the young chevaliers they passed—and smirked at the court women who eyed her pink-and-white gown.

From Literature