Bald or lacking hair on the head.
From Old French 'chauv' meaning bald, derived from Latin 'calvus' (bald). The word traveled through Norman French into English but remained primarily used in heraldic descriptions and archaic contexts.
In heraldry, a 'chauve' lion or eagle would be depicted without the usual mane or feathers—it's a specific artistic instruction that medieval heralds used to make coats of arms unique and meaningful.
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