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.

---

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

---

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.)

---

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

Chivalry is unworkable because it’s simply too dissonant for men.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Indeed, hearing such jokes as “Be gentle — this NPC doesn’t have the ‘essential’ tag,” made me grateful for the quality hours I spent playing Chivalry & Sorcery in my 20s.

From New York Times • May 17, 2024

Chivalry in nonexistent in the world where the picture is set.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2021

We do not share the opinion expressed in a recent tweet by the president of Tripwire, publisher of Chivalry 2.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2021

Miguel and Akimi were on the far side of the Electronic Learning Center playing Charlemagne’s Chivalry.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein