EN PASSANT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does en passant mean? 

• EN PASSANT (noun)
  The noun EN PASSANT has 1 sense:

1. (chess) a chess pawn that is moved two squares can be captured by an opponent's pawn commanding the square that was passed

  Familiarity information: EN PASSANT used as a noun is very rare.

• EN PASSANT (adverb)
  The adverb EN PASSANT has 1 sense:

1. incidentally; in the course of doing something else

  Familiarity information: EN PASSANT used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EN PASSANT (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(chess) a chess pawn that is moved two squares can be captured by an opponent's pawn commanding the square that was passed

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("en passant" is a kind of...):

capture (the removal of an opponent's piece from the chess board)

Domain category:

chess; chess game (a board game for two players who move their 16 pieces according to specific rules; the object is to checkmate the opponent's king)

• EN PASSANT (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Incidentally; in the course of doing something else

Synonyms:

en passant; in passing

Context example:

he made this remark in passing

 Context examples 

In he walked, the first and the handsomest; and after paying his compliments en passant to Miss Bates and her niece, made his way directly to the opposite side of the circle, where sat Miss Woodhouse; and till he could find a seat by her, would not sit at all.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)