Definition of sedan

The word "sedan" originated from a town called Sedan, located in northern France. In the 17th century, the Marquis de Sedan ordered a new type of carriage that could easily maneuver through the narrow streets of his town. This carriage, known as a "calash" or "caloche" in French, had a low-slung body and a folding roof that could be lowered or raised. The marquis's new carriage quickly gained popularity among the French aristocracy, and it became known as a "berline de Sedan" or "Sedan chair." As the marquis's carriage became more popular, the term "sedan" came to be used to describe any type of closed carriage with a low-slung body and a folding roof. The term "sedan" eventually made its way to England, where it was used to describe a type of closed carriage that was popular among the upper class in the 19th century. These sedans were often called "broughams" or "landaus" depending on their style and design. In the early 20th century, the term "sedan" was applied to a specific type of automobile, which had a four-door body style with a trunk and a low-slung roofline. Today, the word "sedan" is commonly used to describe this type of car, which is a popular choice for commuters and families due to its practicality and spaciousness. In summary, the word "sedan" originated from a viscount's need for a carriage that could navigate through the streets of Sedan, and it has since evolved to describe a variety of closed carriages and automobiles that are known for their elegance, comfort, and functionality.