cavalier etymology

Etymology:

  • Medieval Latin: caballarius, meaning "horseman" or "knight"
  • Latin: caballus, meaning "horse"

Meaning:

  • A person who is nonchalant or indifferent, often with a touch of arrogance
  • A person who is courteous and chivalrous, especially towards women

Origin:

The word "cavalier" originated in the 16th century, referring to a mounted soldier. The term was used in a positive sense, denoting a knight or gentleman who was brave and skilled in battle.

Over time, the meaning of "cavalier" evolved to include a sense of nonchalance or indifference, as well as a certain arrogance. This shift in meaning is thought to have been influenced by the behavior of some royalist supporters during the English Civil War (1642-1651). These supporters were known for their contemptuous attitude towards the Puritan Parliamentarians.

The word "cavalier" continued to be used in both positive and negative senses throughout history. In the 19th century, it became associated with a specific style of dress and behavior, characterized by elaborate clothing and a carefree attitude.

Today, the word "cavalier" is most commonly used to describe someone who is nonchalant or indifferent, often with a touch of arrogance. However, the term can still be used in its original sense of a courteous and chivalrous person.

cavalier relate terms

  • caballero

    Etymology Spanish caballero Meaning a mounted warrior or knight a gentleman a cou

  • cavalier

    Etymology Medieval Latin caballarius meaning horseman or knight Latin caballus

  • cavalcade

    Etymology French cavalcade procession of horses and riders Italian cavalcata fro

  • cavalier

    Etymology Medieval Latin caballarius meaning horseman or knight Latin caballus

  • motorcade

    Etymology The word motorcade is a portmanteau of motor and cavalcade Motor A m

  • chevalier

    Etymology The word chevalier comes from the Old French word chevalier which in turn

  • chivalry

    Etymology The word chivalry is derived from the Old French word chevalerie which in

  • horse

    Etymology The word horse is derived from the Proto Indo European PIE root h₃éḱ

  • solitary

    Etymology Latin solitarius solitary Proto Indo European se li alone Me

  • Nicholas

    Etymology Greek Νικόλαος Nikólaos Meaning Victory of the people or

  • bail

    Etymology and Origin The word bail originates from the Old French word baillier mea

  • heel

    Etymology The word heel derives from the Old English word hǣl which is of uncertain o

  • Caucasian

    Etymology Caucasus Derived from the ancient Greek Kaukasos the name of a mountain r

  • concern

    Etymology Old French concerner to belong to concern Latin contingere to happen o