chivalry

[shiv-uh l-ree]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR chivalry ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural chiv·al·ries 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.

Nearby words

Origin of chivalry

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

Related formsun·chiv·al·ry, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for chivalry

I have never met her, and I am inclined to laud her chivalry.
Pulp Nonfiction: India’s Shameful Failure to Defend Historian of Hinduism|Tunku Varadarajan|February 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“There's also the argument that traditional acts of chivalry are frowned upon as ‘suspicious,’” she writes.
A New Survey Suggests Chivalry May Not Be Dead...It's Just Women Who Are Doing It|Erin Cunningham|December 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It may just reassure our faith that chivalry isn't completely over after all.
A New Survey Suggests Chivalry May Not Be Dead...It's Just Women Who Are Doing It|Erin Cunningham|December 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This is traditional for Royal Spouses who are not themselves entitled to surround their Arms with an order of chivalry.
William and Kate's New Conjugal Coat of Arms|Tom Sykes|September 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST

I grew up in a household that was ruled by chivalry, but a family where the men and women are equal soldiers.
‘Parks and Rec’ Star Nick Offerman on Dicks, the Opposite Sex & Feminism|Anna Klassen|May 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He could not but obey the summons of her distressed beauty, perfect knight of chivalry that he was.
The King of Alsander|James Elroy Flecker
Chivalry therefore may, in a general sense, be referred to the age of Charlemagne.
View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 (of 3)|Henry Hallam
The chivalry which he introduced was an insufficient gift to barbarism.
Historia Amoris: A History of Love, Ancient and Modern|Edgar Saltus
He has outraged all the rules and the instincts of chivalry.
Raemaekers' Cartoons|Louis Raemaekers
Everybody conspired to speak of her husband as some one beyond the usual flight in goodness, chivalry, nobility of soul.
Chronicles of Dustypore|Henry Stewart Cunningham

British Dictionary definitions for chivalry

chivalry

noun plural -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 Formschivalric, adjective

Word Origin for chivalry

C13: from Old French chevalerie, from chevalier

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Culture definitions for chivalry

chivalry

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.)