chivalry
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- courtesy towards womenSynonyms: gallantrypolitesseType of courtesy, good manners
- the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conductSynonyms: knightlinessType of principle
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: F. chevalerie, fr. chevalier knight, OF., horseman. See Chevalier, and cf. Cavalry.
1. A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry. “His Memphian chivalry.” John Milton
By his light Did all the chivalry of England move, To do brave acts.— William Shakespeare
2. The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry. John Dryden
3. The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc.
The glory of our Troy this day doth lie On his fair worth and single chivalry.— William Shakespeare
4. English law A tenure of lands by knight's service; that is, by the condition of a knight's performing service on horseback, or of performing some noble or military service to his lord.
5. Exploit. obsolete Sir Philip Sidney
Court of chivalry, a court formerly held before the lord high constable and earl marshal of England as judges, having cognizance of contracts and other matters relating to deeds of arms and war. Blackstone, Sir William
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54