cavalier

[ kav-uh-leer, kav-uh-leer ]

noun

1. a horseman, especially a mounted soldier; knight.
2. one having the spirit or bearing of a knight; a courtly gentleman; gallant.
3. a man escorting a woman or acting as her partner in dancing.
4. (initial capital letter) an adherent of Charles I of England in his contest with Parliament.

adjective

1. haughty, disdainful, or supercilious:

   an arrogant and cavalier attitude toward others.

   Synonyms: uncaring, condescending, thoughtless, offhand, indifferent

2. offhand or unceremonious:

   The very dignified officials were confused by his cavalier manner.

3. (initial capital letter) of or relating to the Cavaliers.
4. (initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cavalier poets or their work.

verb (used without object)

1. to play the cavalier.
2. to be haughty or domineering.

Cavalier

¹

/ ˌkævəˈlɪə /

noun

1. a supporter of Charles I during the English Civil War Compare Roundhead

cavalier

²

/ ˌkævəˈlɪə /

adjective

1. showing haughty disregard; offhand

noun

1. a gallant or courtly gentleman, esp one acting as a lady's escort
2. archaic.
   a horseman, esp one who is armed

Derived Forms

• ˌcavaˈlierly, adverb

Other Words From

• cava·lierism cava·lierness noun
• cava·lierly adverb
• uncav·a·lier adjective
• uncav·a·lierly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cavalier¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Middle French: “horseman, knight,” from Old Italian cavaliere, from Old Provençal, from Late Latin caballārius “man on horseback,” equivalent to Latin caball(us) “horse” ( capercaillie ) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of cavalier¹

C16: from Italian cavaliere, from Old Provençal cavalier, from Late Latin caballārius rider, from caballus horse, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The score was tied 3-3 after the first quarter, but the Cavaliers’ suffocating defense began to take hold in the second quarter as Cleveland scored three times to take a 6-2 lead into halftime.

From Los Angeles Times

Cleveland at Eagle Rock: The Cavaliers knocked off Bell with a strong defensive performance and balance on offense in the first round.

From Los Angeles Times

At Cleveland, sophomore Domenik Fuentes has the Cavaliers in position to finish second behind Birmingham in the West Valley League with his passing, rushing and tackling.

From Los Angeles Times

When the Cavaliers are healthy, their talent level makes them a Division 1 team, especially this season with a veteran quarterback, good receivers and an exceptional secondary.

From Los Angeles Times

When you enter the football field at Serra, there’s a display of “Cavalier Legends,” with five former athletes featured.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• condescending
• curt
• disdainful
• haughty
• offhand
• supercilious