chatelaine

American  

[shat-l-eyn, shaht^uh-len] / ˈʃæt lˌeɪn, ʃɑtəˈlɛn /

noun

plural

chatelaines

1. the mistress of a castle.

2. the mistress of an elegant or fashionable household.

3. a hooklike clasp or a chain for suspending keys, trinkets, scissors, a watch, etc., worn at the waist by women.

4. a woman's lapel ornament resembling this.

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chatelaine British  

/ ˈʃætəˌleɪn, ʃɑtlɛn /

noun

1. (esp formerly) the mistress of a castle or fashionable household

2. a chain or clasp worn at the waist by women in the 16th to the 19th centuries, with handkerchief, keys, etc, attached

3. a decorative pendant worn on the lapel

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Etymology

Origin of chatelaine

From the French word châtelaine, dating back to 1835–45. See chatelain

Example Sentences

This while substituting for her mother as the rectory’s chatelaine, with all the submission and drudgery that entails.

From New York Times • May 3, 2018

The conversation is interrupted momentarily when Lady Carnarvon, the estate's current chatelaine, pops by to fix herself an espresso.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2015

Deborah, who married a nobleman and became chatelaine of the vast Chatsworth estate in central England, died last week aged 94.

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2014

These haunted images are punctuated by portraits, retrieved from a long forgotten cupboard, of the former chatelaine.

From The Guardian • Mar. 25, 2013

“Indeed, my lord, this collar and chain do hold me fast,” I said, touching my ruff and the links of the chatelaine at my waist, where my needlework tools were suspended.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

• girlfriend
• paramour
• sweetheart