- Chivalry
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
By his light Did all the chivalry of England move, To do brave acts. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc. [1913 Webster]
The glory of our Troy this day doth lie On his fair worth and single chivalry. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
5. Exploit. [Obs.] --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]
{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. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.