chevalier

knight

noun shuh-vah-LYEH Less Common

Origin: Old French 'chevalier', from 'cheval' (horse)

Usage Note

chevalier is etymologically 'one who rides a horse'. Today it also names the lowest rank of the Légion d'honneur, France's national order of merit—être fait chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (to be made a knight of the Legion of Honour). The feminine chevalière can also refer to a signet ring.

Examples

"Le chevalier défendait le château."

Natural Translation

The knight defended the castle.

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