Definition

Proper noun: - Charles Cornwallis (1738-1805): A British army officer and colonial administrator. He is most historically significant for his role as the commander of British forces during the American Revolutionary War, notably surrendering to a combined American and French army at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, a decisive event that effectively ended the war. He later served as Governor-General of India and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • General Charles Cornwallis surrendered his army at Yorktown.
  • The military strategies of Charles Cornwallis are still studied by historians.
  • After the American war, Charles Cornwallis had a significant administrative career in India.

Advanced Usage

• "Cornwallis's surrender": Refers specifically to the event at Yorktown, often used to denote a decisive defeat or turning point.
  • The negotiation was their Cornwallis's surrender, ending the long conflict.
• "Like Cornwallis at Yorktown": A historical analogy for being trapped or forced into a definitive concession.
  • With all exits blocked, the negotiator felt like Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Variants and Related Words

• Cornwallis (noun): A common shortened reference to Charles Cornwallis.
  • Cornwallis is a controversial figure in British and American history.
• The Cornwallis Code (noun phrase): Refers to a body of regulations enacted during his tenure as Governor-General of India, aimed at reforming administration.

Synonyms

• The British Commander at Yorktown: A descriptive synonym referencing his most famous role.
• First Marquess Cornwallis: His aristocratic title, used in formal historical contexts.

Related Phrases

• To face a Cornwallis moment (idiomatic): To be in a situation where defeat or major concession is inevitable.
  • The CEO knew the failed product launch was a Cornwallis moment for the company.

Noun

1. commander of the British forces in the American War of Independence; was defeated by American and French troops at Yorktown (1738-1805)