Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Chatelaine
Chat′e-laine
,Noun.
[F.
châtelaine
the wife of a castellan, the mistress of a chateau, a chatelaine chain.] An ornamental hook, or brooch worn by a lady at her waist, and having a short chain or chains attached for a watch, keys, trinkets, etc. Also used adjectively;
as, a
. chatelaine
chainDefinition 2024
chatelaine
chatelaine
See also: châtelaine
English
Noun
chatelaine (plural chatelaines)
- The mistress of a castle or large household.
- A chain or clasp worn at the waist by women, with handkerchief, keys, etc., attached (supposed to resemble the chain of keys once worn by mediaeval chatelaines).
- 1970, John Glassco, Memoirs of Montparnasse, New York 2007, p. 33:
- The famous novelist was dressed in a badly fitting sleazy purple dress and a shapeless Napoleonic hat, with gloves and a long chatelaine; but the costume only heightened her air of distinction.
- 1970, John Glassco, Memoirs of Montparnasse, New York 2007, p. 33:
Quotations
- For usage examples of this term, see Citations:chatelaine.