n.1 an unmarried man.
2 a man or woman who has taken the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Science etc.
3 hist. a young knight serving under another's banner.
Phrases and idioms:
bachelor girl an independent unmarried young woman. bachelor's buttons any of various button-like flowers, esp. the double buttercup.
Derivatives:
bachelorhood n. bachelorship n.
Etymology: ME & OF bacheler aspirant to knighthood, of uncert. orig.