Definition of CHIVALRY

chivalry

Plural: chivalries

Noun

  • The medieval knightly system; qualities like courage and honor.
  • courtesy towards women
  • the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conduct
  • Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle.
  • The fact or condition of being a knight; knightly skill, prowess.
  • 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.
  • Courtesy, respect and honourable conduct, as between opponents in wartime.
  • Courteous behaviour, especially that of men towards women.
  • A tenure of lands by knightly service.

Examples

  • He won with chivalry, politely declining to block his opponent’s last play.

Origin / 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.

Scrabble Score: 19

chivalry: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
chivalry: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
chivalry: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 20

chivalry: valid Words With Friends Word