Cavalier

Cavalier (Fr., from Lat. caballus, 'a nag'), from 'horseman' acquired the meaning of 'knight' or 'gallant,' in which sense it is used by Shakespeare (Henry V., III. 24), like cavallero, in Henry IV., Part II., V. iii. 62. In 1641 'Cavaliers' was applied as a nickname to Charles's partisans in opposition to the Roundheads, or friends of the Parliament; and from a term of reproach it came to be adopted as a title of honour, until, after 1679, it was superseded by 'Tory.' For the 'Cavalier Parliament' (1661–79), see CHARLES II.