damoiseau

young nobleman, squire

noun dah-mwah-ZOH Less Common

Origin: Old French 'damoisel', from Latin 'dominus' (lord)

Usage Note

damoiseau is an archaic or literary term for a young man of noble birth who has not yet been knighted—essentially a squire or page. The plural is damoiseaux (the -eau → -eaux pattern). The feminine equivalent was damoiselle (source of 'mademoiselle'). It appears mainly in historical fiction and period drama.

Examples

"Le damoiseau suivait le chevalier."

Natural Translation

The young squire followed the knight.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Numbers 1 to 100: Count With Confidence

French numbers 1 to 100 in one complete chart, with pronunciation, the et-un rule, hyphens, and the four-twenties system explained so you can count anywhere.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Silent Letters: The CaReFuL Rule

Final consonants in French are silent by default — except C, R, F, L. The CaReFuL rule, the silent -e, the plural-s trap, and liaison, explained simply.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Ordering Food in French: Restaurant Phrases That Work

Order food in French with confidence: greet first, say je voudrais not je veux, ask for a carafe d'eau, answer quelle cuisson, and request the bill yourself.

June 4, 2026 6 min read