chivalry

[shiv-uh l-ree] /ˈʃɪv əl ri/

noun, plural chivalries for 6.

the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms.

the rules and customs of medieval knighthood.

the medieval system or institution of knighthood.

a group of knights.

gallant warriors or gentlemen:

fair ladies and noble chivalry.

Archaic. a chivalrous act; gallant deed.

Origin

1250-1300; Middle English chivalrie < Anglo-French, Old French chevalerie, equivalent to chevalier chevalier + -ie -y³

Related forms

unchivalry, noun

Examples from the web for chivalry

Capacity for friendship does not even suggest his chivalry in two senses-toward individuals and to letters.
Smile, pardner, when you say that the old border desperadoes lacked chivalry.
For those fascinated with days when chivalry ruled, the festival offers a setting as authentic as it gets.
His longtime fascination with the era of castles, chivalry, magic and mysticism is opening up an unexpected second career.
Some say that the age of chivalry is past, that the spirit of romance is dead.
They are proud of the castles, and of the language and symbol of chivalry.
Their aim is to point to the more masculine elements of medieval chivalry.
In later times, fiction and drama greatly romanticized the reputed chivalry of this period.
He presented himself and your department with honor and chivalry.
Even in war, there are times when chivalry prevails.

British Dictionary definitions for chivalry

chivalry

/ˈʃɪvəlrɪ/

noun (pl) -ries

the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp courage, honour, justice, and a readiness to help the weak

courteous behaviour, esp towards women

the medieval system and principles of knighthood

knights, noblemen, etc, collectively

Derived Forms

chivalric, adjective

Word Origin

C13: from Old French chevalerie, from chevalier

Word Origin and History for chivalry

c.1300, "body or host of knights; knighthood in the feudal social system; bravery in war, warfare as an art," from Old French chevalerie "knighthood, chivalry, nobility, cavalry, art of war," from chevaler "knight," from Medieval Latin caballarius "horseman," from Latin caballus "nag, pack-horse" (see cavalier). From late 14c. as "the nobility as one of the estates of the realm," also as the word for an ethical code emphasizing honor, valor, generosity and courtly manners. Modern use for "social and moral code of medieval feudalism" probably is an 18c. historical revival.

chivalry in Culture

chivalry definition

The methods of training and standards of behavior for knights in the Middle Ages. The code of chivalry emphasized bravery, military skill, generosity in victory, piety, and courtesy to women. (Compare courtly love.)