noun
chivalry
SHIV-ul-ree/ˈʃɪvəlri/
The ideal of honorable and courteous conduct associated with knights.
He shows chivalry by holding the heavy door for a woman carrying groceries.
Etymology
The word moved from knighthood and bodies of knights to their ideal ethical code of honor, generosity, and courtly manners. Its courteous-behavior sense carries that ideal into social conduct, especially toward women.
In context
off their fighting skills and chivalrous behavior in front of Nobles and commoners this provided a platform for displaying social status and Prestige for creating and reinforcing the ideals of chivalry such as courage loyalty and honor
More examples
- The knight's oath reflects ideals of chivalry.
- She called his courteous gesture an example of chivalry.
- The historian compares the ideal of chivalry with actual warfare.
Forms
chivalry
Similar words
- courtesy
- Courtesy is considerate behavior generally; chivalry carries associations with knightly honor and traditional gallantry.