Dictionary

1cavalier

noun cav·a·lier \ˌka-və-ˈlir\

Definition of CAVALIER

1
:  a gentleman trained in arms and horsemanship
2
:  a mounted soldier :  knight
3
capitalized :  an adherent of Charles I of England
4
:  gallant
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CAVALIER

Middle French, from Old Italian cavaliere, from Old Occitan cavalier, from Late Latin caballarius horseman, from Latin caballus
First Known Use: 1589

Other Equestrian Terms

canter, cantle, curry, farrier, hunter, paddock, router, skirt, tack

2cavalier

adjective

: having or showing no concern for something that is important or serious

Full Definition of CAVALIER

1
:  debonair
2
:  marked by or given to offhand and often disdainful dismissal of important matters <a cavalier attitude toward money>
3
a capitalized :  of or relating to the party of Charles I of England in his struggles with the Puritans and Parliament
b :  aristocratic
c capitalized :  of or relating to the English Cavalier poets of the mid-17th century
ca·va·lier·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun
cav·a·lier·ly adverb

First Known Use of CAVALIER

circa 1641

Related to CAVALIER

CAVALIER Defined for Kids

1cavalier

noun cav·a·lier \ˌka-və-ˈlir\

Definition of CAVALIER for Kids

1
:  a mounted soldier
2
:  a brave and courteous gentleman

2cavalier

adjective

Definition of CAVALIER for Kids

1
:  easy and lighthearted in manner
2
:  having or showing no concern for a serious or important matter <He has a cavalier attitude about money.>

Browse

6 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: cavalierePrevious Word in the Dictionary: cavalcadeAll Words Near: cavalier
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears