ci-devant

American  

[seed^uh-vahn, see-duh-vahn] / sidəˈvɑ̃, ˌsi dəˈvɑ̃ /

adjective

French.

1. former: used especially in reference to a retired officeholder.

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ci-devant British  

/ sidəvɑ̃ /

adjective

1. (esp of an office-holder) former; recent

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Etymology

Origin of ci-devant

Literally, “heretofore”

Example Sentences

As a ci-devant intellectual I was one of the elect.

From Time Magazine Archive

The ci-devant soldier, himself generous to a fault, had never failed to forward the cheque, caring less for the money than the way in which it was spent.

From The Finger of Fate A Romance by Reid, Mayne

The diocese of Digne now includes four ci-devant bishoprics, each of which was suppressed at the Revolution.

From The Cathedrals of Southern France by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

"Digby, old fellow, can you lend me £100?" said Lord L'Estrange, clapping his ci-devant brother officer on the shoulder, and in a tone of voice that seemed like a boy's—so impudent was it and devil-me-carish.

From The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 3, June, 1851 by Various

They’re civil gents—” “Ha! ha! ha!” interrupted the cavalier, with a shout of laughter, as he seized his ci-devant servitor by the shoulder, and pushed him back upon the bench.

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne