chivalry

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English

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Alternative forms

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.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈʃɪvəlɹi/, (archaic) /ˈt͡ʃɪvəlɹi/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Noun

chivalry (usually uncountable, plural chivalries)

  1. (now rare, historical) Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle.
    • 1999, George R.R. Martin, A Clash of Kings, Bantam, published 2011, page 529:
      ‘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.’
  2. (obsolete) The fact or condition of being a knight; knightly skill, prowess.
  3. 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.
  4. Courtesy, respect and honourable conduct, as between opponents in wartime.
    • 1913, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Return of Tarzan, New York: Ballantine Books, published 1963, page 195:
      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.
  5. Courteous behaviour, especially that of men towards women.
  6. (UK, law, historical) A tenure of lands by knightly service.

Derived terms

Translations

See also

Middle English

Noun

chivalry

  1. alternative form of chivalerie
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