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    Ci-devant (en. Formerly)

    /si də.vɑ̃/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    adjective
    Refers to someone who has held a role or title, often used in a historical context.
    The former count was once an influential noble.
    Le comte ci-devant était autrefois un noble influent.
    Who has been in a position, but no longer is.
    The former owners lost their properties after the revolution.
    Les ci-devant propriétaires ont perdu leurs biens après la révolution.
    Used to designate people of a former social status.
    The former aristocrats seek to restore their power.
    Les ci-devant aristocrates cherchent à restaurer leur pouvoir.

    Etymology

    Origin in Old French, literally 'here in front', indicating a previous position.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    former aristocrat
    An aristocrat who has lost his status.
    ci-devant aristocrate
    former owner
    A former owner of property or land.
    ci-devant propriétaire
    former regime
    A previous government or system.
    ci-devant régime

    Related Words

    former
    That which existed in the past.
    ancien
    noble
    Who possesses a title of nobility.
    noble
    previous
    Something that is earlier in time.
    précédent

    Slang Meanings

    A person who tries to pass themselves off as someone else.
    This guy thinks he's a former noble when he has no nobility.
    Ce type se prend pour un ci-devant alors qu'il n'a aucune noblesse.
    A pejorative term to describe someone who boasts about their past.
    She always talks about her status as a former aristocrat; it's laughable.
    Elle est toujours à parler de son statut de ci-devant, c'est risible.