The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

CAVALIER

Cavalier was a word meaning a horseman, whence a knight and a gentleman. In monarchical France the term 'chevalier' was a title of honour. The name was given to the followers of Charles I in derision in 1641 but afterwards became known in a more complimentary sense. During the Exclusion Bill of 1679 the term gave way to Tory.
Research Cavalier