The French word "cidevant" means "formerly" or "former." Its synonyms include "ex-, erstwhile, late, once, past, previous, quondam, sometime, old, one-time, prior, previous, and whilom." These words all indicate that something or someone was in a different state or position in the past. "Ex-" suggests that something or someone has stopped being part of a particular group or category. "Erstwhile" implies a former status or position that no longer applies. "Quondam" implies a previous position, but is often used to imply a less prestigious or admired one. Overall, these words convey the idea of change and a shifting status or position.