Chivalry

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈʃɪvalri/

Origin

Middle English chivalrie, a late 13th century loan from Old French word chevalerie, "knighthood, chivalry, nobility, cavalry" (11th century), the -erie abstract of chevaler "knight, horseman", from Medieval Latin caballarius ("horseman, knight"), a derivation from caballus ("horse").

Medieval Latin caballaria ("knighthood, status or fief of a knight") dates to the 12th century.

Full definition of chivalry

Noun

1. (now rare, historical) Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle.
• 1999, George RR Martin, A Clash of Kings, Bantam 2011, p. 529:‘Most of the lords who rode with Lord Renly to Storm's End have gone over banner-and-blade to Stannis, with all their chivalry.’
2. (obsolete) The fact or condition of being a knight; knightly skill, prowess.
3. The ethical code of the knight prevalent in Medieval Europe, having such primary virtues as mercy towards the poor and oppressed, humility, honor, sacrifice, fear of God, faithfulness, courage and utmost graciousness and courtesy to ladies.
4. Courtesy, respect and honorable conduct between opponents in wartime.
5. Courteous behavior, especially that of men towards women.
6. (UK, legal, historical) A tenure of lands by knightly service.

Related terms

• cavalier
• chevalier
• chivalrous