chevalier

noun

che·va·lier | \ˌshe-və-ˈlir,

especially for senses 1b and 2 also shə-ˈval-ˌyā

Definition of chevalier

1a : cavalier sense 2

b : a member of any of various orders of knighthood or of merit (such as the Legion of Honor)

2a : a member of the lowest rank of French nobility

b : a cadet of the French nobility

3 : a chivalrous man

Examples of chevalier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All three were named chevaliers of the Legion of Honor. — Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, "He's the field general for the Greatest Generation in New Orleans," 11 Apr. 2018 For these, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre, made a chevalier of the Legion of Honor and promoted as a war hero in a political career that lofted him to prominence as a cabinet minister in several governments. — Robert D. Mcfadden, New York Times, "Liliane Bettencourt, L’Oréal Heiress Vexed by Swindling Case, Is Dead at 94," 21 Sep. 2017 What is an English match for a German Ritter or French chevalier? — Ken Denmead, WIRED, "A Google-a-Day Puzzle for Jan. 30," 30 Jan. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chevalier.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.