Word
chivalry
Phoneticschival·ry
US/ˈʃɪvəɫɹi/
UK/tʃˈɪvəlɹi/
Definitions
01polite behavior
n. polite and kind behavior, especially when a man is helpful or respectful toward a woman.
n. courteous and respectful behavior, particularly that of men toward women in social contexts.
“He showed a bit of old-fashioned chivalry by holding the door open for her.”
“Some argue that modern chivalry is dead, while others maintain that simple acts of courtesy remain essential to social harmony.”
Usage
Uncountable in this sense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02medieval knight's code
n. the religious, moral, and social code followed by knights in the Middle Ages.
n. the medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood, emphasizing honor, bravery, and help for the weak.
“The stories of King Arthur are filled with examples of bravery and chivalry.”
“The historical development of chivalry was deeply intertwined with the Crusades and the rising influence of the Christian Church on the warrior class.”
Formal
Usage
Often used in historical or literary contexts.
Synonyms
03knights in battle
n. a group of knights or soldiers on horses in the past.
n. a body of knights or horsemen armed for battle; the collective cavalry of a medieval army.
“The king led his chivalry into the valley to meet the enemy.”
“The flower of French chivalry was decimated during the battle, marking a turning point in medieval warfare.”
Archaic · Literary
Usage
Collective noun; now largely restricted to historical literature.
Synonyms
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/chivalry