Meanings
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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.
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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.
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3
noun
historical: knights or mounted warriors considered collectively
The king summoned the chivalry of the realm for the campaign.
Thesaurus
Etymology
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.