Also means
knight
Usage Note
Cavalier covers both a horse rider and the chess piece 'knight' (le cavalier in chess). As an adjective it means 'offhand' or 'cavalier' in tone, so un ton cavalier means a dismissive manner, a usage borrowed directly into English.
Examples
"Le cavalier guide son cheval avec douceur."
Natural Translation
The rider guides his horse gently.

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