chivalry

chiv·al·ry

noun \ˈshi-vəl-rē\

plural chiv·al·ries

Definition of CHIVALRY

1

: mounted men-at-arms

2

archaic a : martial valor b : knightly skill

3

: gallant or distinguished gentlemen

4

: the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood

5

: the qualities of the ideal knight : chivalrous conduct

Examples of CHIVALRY

1. the knight's code of chivalry
2. He paid her fare as an act of chivalry.

Origin of CHIVALRY

Middle English chivalrie, from Anglo-French chevalerie, from chevaler knight — more at chevalier

First Known Use: 14th century

Other History Terms

agonistic, carpetbagger, enceinte, fief, historiography, paladin