chivalry

American  

[shiv-uhl-ree] / ˈʃɪv əl ri /

noun

plural

chivalries

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.

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chivalry British  

/ 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

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chivalry Cultural  

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.)

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Other Word Forms

• chivalric adjective
• unchivalry noun

Etymology

Origin of chivalry

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

Explanation

Men behaving courteously toward women — holding the door for them, offering them their jackets when it's cold — is called chivalry. Many women consider chivalry a lost art. Nice work, fellas. Cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and chivalry have the same root: the Medieval Latin word caballarius, meaning "horseman" or "knight." In the Middle Ages, a knight was expected to be brave, loyal, and to open the tavern door for his date. Picture a knight kneeling before a maiden and kissing her hand. It's a classic image of chivalry from the storybooks. Some women wonder whether chivalry has ever existed anywhere else.

Example Sentences

The scrupulous observance of parole by released officers in the early months of the Civil War reads like tales of the age of chivalry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

He is also giving up membership of the Order of the Garter - the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

“There are tales of chivalry, where the heroic knight saves the damsel in distress,” a young woman’s voice intones as “Damsel” begins.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2024

On our phone catch-up the following day, she confessed that even though she was a well-educated, liberal woman, she longed for more chivalry.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 19, 2024

If he gathered flowers for her or helped her down from her horse, he did it with a casualness that transformed his chivalry into a simple act of friendship.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende