Definition of chatelaine
1a : the wife of a castellan : the mistress of a châteaub : the mistress of a household or of a large establishment
2 : a clasp or hook for a watch, purse, or bunch of keys
People Are Reading
chatelaine was our Word of the Day on 06/23/2010. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Did You Know?
The original chatelaine's domain was a castle or fort, and the chatelaine's duties were many. To complete them, she certainly needed keys. In the 18th century, the word chatelaine (borrowed from the French châtelaine) took on an additional meaning in English that alluded to this: the word came to be used for a decorative clasp or hook from which chains holding a watch, purse, keys, etc. were suspended. These popular accessories evoked the bunch of keys the original chatelaine had worn of necessity.
Origin and Etymology of chatelaine
French châtelaine, feminine of châtelain
First Known Use: 1845
Other Clothing Terms
Learn More about chatelaine
-
See words that rhyme with chatelaine Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chatelaine
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up chatelaine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!