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Chivalry - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Chivalry : (noun)
1: courtesy towards women [syn: gallantry, politesse]
2: the medieval principles of knighthood
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Chivalry : \Chiv"al*ry\, n. [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.'' --Milton.
By his light Did all the chivalry of England move,
To do brave acts. --Shak.
2. The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages,
or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry.
--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. --Shak.
4. (Eng. 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. [Obs.] --Sir P. 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.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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CHIVALRY, ancient Eng. law. This word is derived from the French chevelier,
a horseman. It is. the name of a tenure of land by knight's service.
Chivalry : was of two kinds: the first; which was regal, or held only of the
king; or common, which was held of a common person. Co. Litt. h.t.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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