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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of chatelaine

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

Example Sentences

Here, she plays the statuesque chatelaine of a grand but oppressively gloomy country house.

From The Guardian • Jan. 10, 2019

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

It seems the Duchess of Northumberland, chatelaine of Alnwick and creator of the Poison Garden, keeps several stuffed dogs up at the castle.

From Washington Post • Jun. 25, 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

Daisy found it impossible to keep her eyes off her ‘pitty aunty’, but attached herself like a lap dog to the wonderful chatelaine full of delightful charms.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• girlfriend
• paramour
• sweetheart