lavaliere

[ lav-uh-leer, lah-vuh- ]

/ ˌlæv əˈlɪər, ˌlɑ və- /

an ornamental pendant, usually jeweled, worn on a chain around the neck.

Also lav·a·lier, la·val·lière

[French la-va-lyer] /French la vaˈlyɛr/.

Origin of lavaliere

First recorded in 1915–20; after the Duchesse de La Vallière (1644–1710), one of the mistresses of Louis XIV

"Do not be afraid of me," replied Maille, clasping Lavalliere to his breast.

Droll Stories, Complete |Honore de Balzac
Now all the ladies were jealous of La Limeuil, who at that time was thinking of yielding to the handsome Lavalliere.

Droll Stories, Complete |Honore de Balzac
Lavalliere had promised to return safe and sound to his friend the body only, not the heart.

Droll Stories, Complete |Honore de Balzac
Thus Lavalliere found himself abandoned by everyone like a leper.

Droll Stories, Complete |Honore de Balzac

And the lavalliere incidents and the blouse buttons substantiated it still further.

The Winning Clue |James Hay, Jr.