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chivalry definition

chiv·alry (s̸hiv′əl rē)

noun

  1. a group of knights or gallant gentlemen
  2. the medieval system of knighthood
  3. the noble qualities a knight was supposed to have, such as courage, honor, and a readiness to help the weak and protect women
  4. the demonstration of any of the knightly qualities

Etymology: ME & OFr chevalerie < chevaler, knight < cheval, horse < L caballus: see cavalry

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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