chivalry

[ shiv-uhl-ree ]

noun

, plural chiv·al·ries

1. the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms.
2. the rules and customs of medieval knighthood.
3. the medieval system or institution of knighthood.
4. a group of knights.
5. gallant warriors or gentlemen:

   fair ladies and noble chivalry.

6. Archaic. a chivalrous act; gallant deed.

chivalry

/ ˈʃɪvəlrɪ /

noun

1. the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp courage, honour, justice, and a readiness to help the weak
2. courteous behaviour, esp towards women
3. the medieval system and principles of knighthood
4. knights, noblemen, etc, collectively

chivalry

1. 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 .)

Derived Forms

• ˈchivalric, adjective

Other Words From

• un·chival·ry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chivalry¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English chivalrie, from Anglo-French, Old French chevalerie, from chevalier chevalier + -ie -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of chivalry¹

C13: from Old French chevalerie, from chevalier

Example Sentences

The post A Moment of Chivalry Between Tour de France Rivals appeared first on Outside Online.

From Outside Online

The basic trope — the last man on the ground — recalls an emotionally resonant idea of responsibility and even chivalry.

From Washington Post

In the poem, Gawain is already a beloved and respected member of the Round Table, noted for his chivalry.

From Vox

After he arrives at the castle in the poem, Gawain undergoes a kind of testing of his chivalry and his virtue.

From Vox

Unfortunately, we only had the one fancy mattress between the two of us, and chivalry compelled me to claim her old backpacking Therm-a-Rest, a solid inch and a half below her perch on the luxurious Paco Pad.

From Outside Online

I have never met her, and I am inclined to laud her chivalry.

From The Daily Beast

“There's also the argument that traditional acts of chivalry are frowned upon as ‘suspicious,’” she writes.

From The Daily Beast

Turns out chivalry may not be dead—we just might be looking for it in the wrong places, or rather, from the wrong people.

From The Daily Beast

It may just reassure our faith that chivalry isn't completely over after all.

From The Daily Beast

This is traditional for Royal Spouses who are not themselves entitled to surround their Arms with an order of chivalry.

From The Daily Beast

For in these times of chivalry the best perish first, and in order to live long one must be a monk.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a contest for extirpation, and ere it ended the flower of the English and the chivalry of the Indians were laid low.

From Project Gutenberg

From feelings of chivalry or other reasons it is not in the nature of the male to inform on the female.

From Project Gutenberg

The spirit of feudalism and of the old chivalry had all but departed, but had left a vacuum which was not yet supplied.

From Project Gutenberg

My idea was to attract the chivalry and nobility, and make them useful and keep them out of mischief.

From Project Gutenberg