n. & adj.
--n.
1. hist. (Cavalier) a supporter of Charles I in the Civil War.
2 a courtly gentleman, esp. as a lady's escort.
3 archaic a horseman.
--adj. offhand, supercilious, blas{eacute}.
Derivatives:
cavalierly adv.
Etymology: F f. It. cavaliere: see CHEVALIER