ci-devant

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

adjective

French.

1. former: used especially in reference to a retired officeholder.

ci-devant

/ sidəvɑ̃ /

adjective

1. (esp of an office-holder) former; recent

Word History and Origins

Origin of ci-devant¹

Literally, “heretofore”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ci-devant¹

literally: heretofore

Example Sentences

Wedgie plans a different gameJob protection is its name.Why let foreign goods come in?We won't play if we can't win.Make the bourgeoisie invest!Worker zeal will do the rest.As example doubtless he'llProudly point to British Steel.Ci-devant aristo, he,Knitting for the NEC.

From The Guardian

How little did she know of her own heart, and how far was she from even suspecting that it was the ci-devant belle making one last throw for the admiration and homage which once were offered her freely.

From Project Gutenberg

I am here domesticated at a charming country-house, the host an old Admiral, the hostess a ci-devant belle of London,—in times not very recent,—and more lately what is called in newspapers 'one of the ornaments of the Irish Court.'

From Project Gutenberg

Jane," she cried, bursting into the ci-devant nursery where Miss Gollop reigned supreme, "where's my best hat—quick!

From Project Gutenberg

Furthermore, in the autumn of 1680, the Earl of Carnarvon, then Governor of Jamaica, returning to England, left the ci-devant pirate as his deputy, and Morgan seized the opportunity to hang many of his old comrades!

From Project Gutenberg