chatelain
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
From Middle English chateleyn, from Middle French chatelaine, from Old French chastelein and castelain (“castellan”),[1] from chastel and castel (“castle”) + -ain (“-an: forming adj.”), from Medieval Latin castellum, from Latin castrum (“fort”) + -ellum (“-elle: forming diminutives”). Doublet of Castilian, castellano, castellanus, and castellan.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
chatelain (plural chatelains)
Usage notes edit
Not to be confused with chatelaine (“mistress of a household; chain with keys”), which is usually pronounced the same.
References edit
- ^ “chatelain”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.