ci-devant
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of ci-devant
Literally, “heretofore”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As a ci-devant intellectual I was one of the elect.
From Time Magazine Archive
And fancy how the uncomely countenance of the ci-devant brewer would redden at the request, and how, probably, the unlucky artist would be consigned to the custody of the sentinel at the door!
From The Pictorial Press Its Origin and Progress by Jackson, Mason
One word only, a farewell one, on the subject of my ci-devant digressions; no, three words; I must say in my own justification. 1st.
From The Life, Letters and Work of Frederic Leighton Volume I by Barrington, Mrs. Russell
Now then for the detested residence, and the empty grave, of the ci-devant conqueror of Europe!”
From Perils in the Transvaal and Zululand by Adams, H.C.
The ci-devant stationer put on his spectacles, and looked suspiciously at the new comer.
From Mattie:?A Stray (Vol 3 of 3) by Robinson, Frederick William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
