ci-devant

[ seeduh-vahn; English see-duh-vahn ]

/ sidəˈvɑ̃; English ˌsi dəˈvɑ̃ /

former: used especially in reference to a retired officeholder.

Origin of ci-devant

literally, heretofore

chérie, chārikār, chŏngjin, chŏnju, ci, ci-devant, cia, cia., ciabatta, ciano, ciao

The ci-devant lady-killer was still gallant; but his fortune no longer permitted him to be gallant in the same measure as of yore.

The Flower Girl of The Chteau d'Eau, v.2 (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XVI) |Charles Paul de Kock
It pleased that crafty soul of his to have his ci-devant rival under his roof, and to be able to watch him keenly.

Mohawks, Volume 2 of 3 |Mary Elizabeth Braddon
A perfectly natural reaction appeared to urge the ci-devant mourners to robe themselves in lively checks and tartans.

A Versailles Christmas-Tide |Mary Stuart Boyd
The idea of being invited out to meet your ci-devant housemaid and cook!

Mildred Keith |Martha Finley

"You know what would happen if these ci-devant Masters got hold of Imperial crowns," Erskyll said.

A Slave is a Slave |Henry Beam Piper

ci-devant

/ French (sidəvɑ̃) /

(esp of an office-holder) former; recent

literally: heretofore