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

The consequence of this quarrel was that, early in 1794, he found himself accused as a ci-devant noble.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, after all that had taken place, he thought it as well not to trouble his ci-devant client with a bill.

From Project Gutenberg

De la Fort must arrange the affair, and so far this insolent ci-devant could have said nothing else of moment.

From Project Gutenberg

I was of the tribunal at Avignon which condemned the ci-devant vicomte, the young man's father.

From Project Gutenberg

"Ah, madame," said the ci-devant bonne, when she found herself in Eugenie's presence.

From Project Gutenberg