Chatelaine

Pronunciation: /ʃæt.ləˈleɪn/

Definitions of chatelaine

noun a woman in charge of a large house or estate; a woman who owns or controls a large house or estate

Example Sentences

A1 A chatelaine is a woman in charge of a large house.

A2 The chatelaine was responsible for managing the estate and overseeing the staff.

B1 The chatelaine wore a keychain at her waist, symbolizing her authority over the household.

B2 The chatelaine's duties included organizing social events and maintaining the household budget.

C1 The chatelaine's role extended beyond the household to managing the family's investments and properties.

C2 As the chatelaine of the castle, she wielded significant power and influence over the region.

Examples of chatelaine in a Sentence

formal The chatelaine of the manor was responsible for overseeing the household staff.

informal The chatelaine always had a kind word and a warm smile for everyone in the village.

slang I heard the chatelaine is throwing a lavish party this weekend.

figurative She held the chatelaine of the family business, making all the important decisions.

Grammatical Forms of chatelaine

• past tense: chatted
• plural: chatelaines
• comparative: more chatelaine
• superlative: most chatelaine
• present tense: chatelaines
• future tense: will chatelaine
• perfect tense: have chatelained
• continuous tense: is chatelaining
• singular: chatelaine
• positive degree: chatelaine
• infinitive: to chatelaine
• gerund: chatelaining
• participle: chatelained

Origin and Evolution of chatelaine

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'chatelaine' originated from Old French, derived from the word 'chastelaine' which means 'female castellan or keeper of a castle.'

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'chatelaine' evolved to refer to a woman in charge of a large household or the mistress of a castle. In modern times, it is also used to describe a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist.