ci-devant

[ seeduh-vahn; English see-duh-vahn ]

/ sidəˈvɑ̃; English ˌsi dəˈvɑ̃ /

Save This Word!

adjective French.

former: used especially in reference to a retired officeholder.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ci-devant

Literally, “heretofore”

Words nearby ci-devant

-cide, Cid, El, cider, cider press, cider vinegar, ci-devant, Cie., ciénaga, Cienfuegos, C.I.F., c.i.f.c.i.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ci-devant in a sentence

The consequence of this quarrel was that, early in 1794, he found himself accused as a ci-devant noble.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
Indeed, after all that had taken place, he thought it as well not to trouble his ci-devant client with a bill.
The Kellys and the O'Kellys|Anthony Trollope
De la Fort must arrange the affair, and so far this insolent ci-devant could have said nothing else of moment.
The Red City|S. Weir Mitchell
I was of the tribunal at Avignon which condemned the ci-devant vicomte, the young man's father.
The Red City|S. Weir Mitchell

"Ah, madame," said the ci-devant bonne, when she found herself in Eugenie's presence.
Night and Morning, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton

British Dictionary definitions for ci-devant

ci-devant

/ French (sidəvɑ̃) /

adjective

(esp of an office-holder) former; recent

Word Origin for ci-devant

literally: heretofore

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012