bachelor
UK: ˈbætʃ.əl.ər | US: ˈbætʃ.əl.ɚ
n. an unmarried man
n. a person who holds a university degree at the foundational level (e.g., Bachelor of Arts)
n. a young knight serving under the standard of another (historical)
bachelor = bache<young man> + lor<noun suffix>
- bache (from Old French bacheler, meaning "young knight" or "aspirant")
- lor (a suffix denoting agent or role, derived from Latin -ator via Old French)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Old French bacheler, referring to a young knight-in-training or an unmarried man of noble birth. It likely stems from Medieval Latin baccalarius, a term for a low-ranking vassal or farmhand. Over time, it broadened to denote unmarried men generally and later academic degree-holders (originally young scholars). The dual meanings reflect societal transitions—from feudal hierarchies to educational systems.
He remained a bachelor until his late forties.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
In medieval tales, the bachelor knight sought to prove his valor.
The term "bachelor party" celebrates a man's last days of singlehood.
Many Renaissance artists were bachelors, dedicating their lives to craft.