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Chatelaine

Jewellery
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A decorative clasp or belt hook from which small useful objects are suspended. It often carries keys, seals, or miniature tools.

Detailed Definition
A chatelaine is an ornamental fastening worn at the waist, with chains that hold keys, scissors, watches, or other small possessions. Its name recalls the mistress of a household, making it useful in poetry about domestic authority, memory, and confinement. The dangling objects can create a music of small metal sounds, while the keys may symbolize secrecy, duty, access, or control over a private world.
Example
Example in poetry:
At her chatelaine hung keys, scissors, and a watch, each chiming against her skirt; A chatelaine can symbolize household authority because it carries useful implements; The poet makes the grandmother's chatelaine a music of domestic labor; In a historical poem, a chatelaine may reveal both a woman's responsibility and the weight she carries
Additional Notes
A chatelaine combines beauty with usefulness. Its dangling keys and tools may symbolize household authority, memory, duty, or the hidden burdens a person carries.
Also Known As
Chatelaine Chain
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