chaperon

/ ˈʃæpərənɪdʒ; ˈʃæpəˌrəʊn /

noun

1. (esp formerly) an older or married woman who accompanies or supervises a young unmarried woman on social occasions
2. someone who accompanies and supervises a group, esp of young people, usually when in public places

verb

1. to act as a chaperon to

Derived Forms

• chaperonage, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaperon¹

C14: from Old French, from chape hood, protective covering; see cap

Example Sentences

They surround themselves with the atmosphere of the demi-monde and forget that a wrinkle is as fatal as a chaperon.

From Project Gutenberg

I've said from the very first, it's downright indecent for a girl to live alone on a farm—no chaperon, not even a woman servant.

From Project Gutenberg

She'll soon wilt when she sees we mean business—either go, or take a chaperon, or marry the man, whichever she prefers.

From Project Gutenberg

Charles Farnham, Mrs. Courtney, the chaperon; a maid, and several servants had accompanied Nita here.

From Project Gutenberg

The students might leave the grounds at any time during the day, but never in the evening without a chaperon.

From Project Gutenberg