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chevalier

noun
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che·​va·​lier | \ ˌshe-və-ˈlir How to pronounce chevalier (audio) , especially for senses 1b and 2 also shə-ˈval-ˌyā How to pronounce chevalier (audio) \

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 Clark is beloved in France, having received the Grand Prix de Literature Policière in 1980, as well as being named a chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2000 by the French minister of culture. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "Legendary suspense novelist Mary Higgins Clark dies at 92," 1 Feb. 2020 Last year, in a ceremony in New York, she was named a chevalier in the French order of arts and letters. — Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, "Susannah Hunnewell, Publisher of The Paris Review, Dies at 52," 15 June 2019 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.

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First Known Use of chevalier

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for chevalier

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin caballarius horseman — more at cavalier entry 2

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The first known use of chevalier was in the 14th century

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Last Updated

13 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Chevalier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chevalier. Accessed 21 Feb. 2020.

More from Merriam-Webster on chevalier

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with chevalier

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chevalier

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