ci-devant

Definition

Former, late.

Etymology

Borrowed from French ci-devant.

Example Sentences

• "Hastily Beatrice performed both her own and Emily's toilette; for what with fatigue and terror, her companion was almost powerless: still their celerity excited the praise of the ci-devant professor of the fine arts."
• "The ci-devant marquis was caught disguised in her apartment. She betrayed for him a good, easy friend of the people who had long loved her, and revenge is sweet."
• "Much they marvelled to see the wealth of the ci-devant blacksmith"