chivalry
n. uncountablen. the system of polite and brave behavior that was expected of knights in the past. Today, it usually refers to men being very polite and helpful toward women.
n. the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. In modern usage, refers to courteous and gallant behavior, especially by men toward women.
He showed great chivalry by offering his seat to the elderly lady.
The legends of King Arthur are often used to illustrate the ideals of medieval chivalry and honor.
While the formal code of chivalry has long since vanished from the legal and military landscape, its echoes remain in our modern expectations of social etiquette and protective gallantry.
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.
Often used in the abstract to describe a quality of character or a historical era.