Chevalier

Chevalier, in its primary sense, has the same meaning as its doublet, cavalier, i.e. horseman; in its secondary sense it was a title of French nobility, generally applied to the younger sons of nobles, who sometimes, put to the shifts to which younger sons are liable, did not perhaps dignify the name. Hence, possibly, the application of the name of chevalier d'industrie to a black-leg, a man living by his wits. The Chevalier Bayard is well-known to all, and readers of French literature may be acquainted with the Chevalier Faublas. The name was also applied to the son and grandson of James II. of England.