Agency Dictionary
Chivalry
nounPronunciation: /ˈʃɪv.əl.ri/
In Portuguese: Cavalaria
History & CivilizationsWhat does “Chivalry” mean?
The medieval knightly code of conduct demanding honor, valor, courtesy, loyalty, and Christian devotion.
Etymology
From Old French chevalerie, "knighthood, body of knights, bravery in war", from chevalier, "knight", from Late Latin caballarius, "horseman", from Latin caballus, "horse". In English since the Middle Ages, first for knights as a body and for their deeds, then for the ideal code of the knight. Cavalry is the same word, borrowed again in the 16th century through French from Italian cavalleria. The modern sense of courteous behaviour, especially of men towards women, grew out of the knightly ideal.
Usage note
The ch is pronounced sh, as in the French source. Chivalric usually refers to the medieval institution, chivalrous to courteous behaviour.
Synonyms
- knighthood
- gallantry
- courtliness
- courtesy
- honor
- valor
Often confused with
- cavalry
- Cavalry is the body of soldiers who fight on horseback; chivalry is the knightly code. Portuguese cavalaria covers both.
- cavalier
- As an adjective, cavalier means offhand or dismissive, almost the opposite of chivalrous.
Word family
- chivalrous
- chivalric
- chivalrously
- chevalier
- cavalier
- cavalry
Usage examples
Tristan is later adopted in life and trained in chivalry duty by his uncle, the King Mark of Cornwall.
Concepts
- Chivalric RomanceChivalric romance is a prominent medieval literary genre that narrates the heroic adventures, knightly trials, moral dilemmas, and courtly devotions of noble warriors. It…
- Courtly LoveCourtly love is a medieval European literary and behavioral tradition that emphasized aristocratic chivalry, noble devotion, and disciplined veneration of an idealized…
- Romantic LoveRomantic love is a cultural and emotional ideal characterized by intense personal passion, deep mutual attachment, and transcendent significance attributed to an intimate…
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
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- A feudal military dictatorship in Japan, headed by a shogun, in which loyalty and honour were central to its operation. The system was exclusive to Japan and did not exist in other Asian nations.
- eppur si muoveother
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- Paleolithicadjective
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- samurainoun
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- Agoranoun
- A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
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- amphitheatrenoun
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- baronnoun
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- Chitonnoun
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Also from these editions: terms
- Agapenoun
- A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
- Androgynenoun
- A mythical primordial being uniting male and female characteristics in a single unified body.
- Aûsunoun
- An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
- Aûsubverb
- An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
- Benefactornoun
- A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
- Erosnoun
- A passionate, romantic, and often erotic love characterized by intense longing, attraction, and creative vitality.
- Ludusnoun
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- Philianoun
- A deep, reciprocal, and virtuous affection among friends or equals based on shared values and mutual loyalty.
- Potionnoun
- A liquid concoction endowed with purported medicinal, magical, toxic, or transformative powers.
- Pragmanoun
- A practical, enduring, and mature love built on long-term commitment, shared duties, and realistic expectations.
- Storgenoun
- Natural familial affection, especially the instinctive bond shared among parents, children, and siblings.
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