chevalier, (French: “horseman”), a French title originally equivalent to the English knight. Napoleon outlined conditions for the assumption of the title by members of the Legion of Honour and reserved the right to himself of appointing chevaliers of the empire. ... See also knight.

Where does the name chevalier come from?

Chevalier Name Meaning

French: from Old French chevalier 'knight' (literally 'horseman', 'rider', from Late Latin caballarius, a derivative of caballus 'horse'). In the Middle Ages only men of comparative wealth were able to afford the upkeep of a riding horse.

What is the role of the chevalier?

noun A horseman; a knight; a cavalier; a gallant soldier. noun The lowest title of rank in the old French nobility. noun A member or knight of an honorable order, especially one who holds the lowest rank in such an order when there are more ranks than one: as, a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.