chivalry

[shiv-uh l-ree]

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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.

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

Related Words for chivalry

courtesy, courage, fairness, valiance, courtliness, politeness

Examples from the Web for chivalry

Contemporary Examples of 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
“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
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
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
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

Historical Examples of chivalry

Then we are agreed that it is not a matter of sentiment, it is not a matter of chivalry.
Samantha Among the Brethren, Part 7.
Josiah Allen's Wife (Marietta Holley)
The Southern chivalry howled, and hanged or burned some one in effigy.
American Notes
Rudyard Kipling
Strange as it may seem, these castles were the birthplaces and homes of chivalry.
English Villages
P. H. Ditchfield
With his usual activity he sprang forward and the scion of chivalry ran.
Cleveland Past and Present
Maurice Joblin
That's a long way from the days of the 'wild geese' and the order of chivalry, isn't it?
Changing Winds
St. John G. Ervine

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.

chivalry in Culture

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.)