Chesterfieldian

American  

[ches-ter-feel-dee-uhn] / ˌtʃɛs tərˈfil di ən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like the 4th Earl of Chesterfield or his writings; elegant; urbane; suave.

---

Chesterfieldian British  

/ ˌtʃɛstəˈfiːldɪən /

adjective

1. of or like Lord Chesterfield; suave; elegant; polished

---

Etymology

Origin of Chesterfieldian

First recorded in 1770–80; Chesterfield + -ian

Example Sentences

In a series of Chesterfieldian letters, written from the cozy depths of Hell, Screwtape advises his inexperienced nephew Wormwood on the best means of eternally damning the soul of his "patient."

From Time Magazine Archive

The wonder is that so plain a man as Henry Morton Stanley should have been able to coin so Chesterfieldian a mode of address.

From Time Magazine Archive

The danger of war, then, did not depend upon whether the Comintern was hidden or open, whether manners at U.N. were rude or Chesterfieldian.

From Time Magazine Archive

The alleged discourtesy of Colonel Lindbergh in giving out his letter to the President prematurely seems an act of studied, Chesterfieldian deference in comparison.

From Time Magazine Archive

“You do us too much honor,” said Paul, making a low bow in his best Chesterfieldian manner.

From The Motor Girls in the Mountains or, The Gypsy Girl's Secret by Penrose, Margaret