chivalry
noun/ˈʃɪvəlɹi/ · /ˈt͡ʃɪvəlɹi/
Etymology From Middle English chivalerie, a late 13th century loan from Old French chevalerie (“knighthood, chivalry, nobility, cavalry”) (11th century), the -erie (“-ery”) abstract of chevaler (“knight, horseman”), from Medieval Latin caballarius (“horseman, knight”), from caballus (“horse”). Medieval Latin caballaria (“knighthood, status or fief of a knight”) dates to the 12th century. Doublet of cavalry.
Archaic, Historical, Usually Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle.
- ‘Most of the lords who rode with Lord Renly to Storm's End have gone over banner-and-blade to Stannis, with all their chivalry.’1999, George R.R. Martin, A Clash of Kings, Bantam, published 2011, page 529:
Obsolete, Usually The fact or condition of being a knight; knightly skill, prowess.
Usually The ethical code of the knight prevalent in Medieval Europe, having such primary virtues as mercy towards the poor and oppressed, humility, honour, sacrifice, fear of God, faithfulness, courage and courtesy to ladies.
Usually Courtesy, respect and honourable conduct, as between opponents in wartime.
- He had seen the woman he craved—his woman—his mate—in the arms of another. There had been but one course open to him, according to the fierce jungle code that guided him in this other existence; but just before it had become too late the softer sentiments of his inherent chivalry had risen above the flaming fires of his passion and saved him. A thousand times he gave thanks that they had triumphed before his fingers had released that polished arrow.1913, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Return of Tarzan, New York: Ballantine Books, published 1963, page 195:
Usually Courteous behaviour, especially that of men towards women.
- The elevator doors close just as Luisa Rey reaches them, but the unseen occupant jams them with his cane. “Thank you,” says Luisa to the old man. “Glad the age of chivalry isn’t totally dead.”2004, David Mitchell, “Half-Lives: The First Luisa Rey Mystery”, in Cloud Atlas, →ISBN, page 91:
Law UK, Historical, Usually A tenure of lands by knightly service.
- Derived terms
- chivalric
- Related terms
- cavalier, chevalier, chivalresque, chivalrous, bushido, xiá