cavalier
UK: ˌkævəˈlɪə(r) | US: ˌkævəˈlɪr
adj. 1. showing a lack of proper concern; offhand or dismissive
adj. 2. free and easy; carefree
n. 1. a mounted soldier; a knight
n. 2. a gallant or courtly gentleman
The word cavalier traces back to Latin caballus, a term for a workhorse. Through Old Italian (cavallo) and Old French (chevalier), it evolved to denote a horseman or knight, reflecting the medieval association of nobility with mounted warriors. By the 17th century, cavalier acquired its modern connotations—initially describing Royalist supporters of Charles I (known for their aristocratic disdain), later broadening to mean "carefree" or "dismissive." The root caval- persists in related words like cavalry (horse-mounted troops) and chivalry (knightly virtues).
His cavalier attitude toward deadlines frustrated his colleagues.
She dismissed the criticism with a cavalier wave of her hand.
The cavaliers of the Renaissance were admired for their bravery and style.
The king’s cavalier supporters were often at odds with Parliament.
He rode through town like a cavalier from an old romance novel.