chivalry

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   honourable, generous, and courteous conduct, especially toward someone perceived as vulnerable

   He regarded giving up his seat as a simple act of chivalry.

2. 2
   noun

   the ideals and code of conduct traditionally associated with medieval knights

   The romance celebrates chivalry while also exposing the violence of feudal warfare.

3. 3
   noun

   historical: knights or mounted warriors considered collectively

   The king summoned the chivalry of the realm for the campaign.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Chivalry came into Middle English from medieval Latin caballerius, based on Latin caballus, “horse.” It first referred collectively to knights, noblemen, or horsemen, then developed the sense of the ideal knightly qualities of courage, honour, loyalty, and courtesy.

From Middle English chivalerie, borrowed from Old French chevalerie, 'knighthood, cavalry, or knightly conduct.' It derives from chevalier, 'knight or horseman,' ultimately from Late Latin caballarius, from caballus, 'horse.' The word moved from mounted warriors and their status to the ethical ideals attributed to them.

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External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary