Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of the medieval institution of knighthood: Describes qualities, customs, or behaviors associated with the historical era of knights, chivalry, and feudal lordship.
   • Noble, courteous, and gallant in manner: Describes a person or behavior that embodies the idealized virtues of a knight, such as honor, bravery, respect for women, and protection of the weak.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The museum displayed chivalric armor and weaponry from the 14th century.
  • His chivalric conduct, such as holding the door and defending her honor, was admired by all.
  • The poem tells a chivalric tale of a knight's quest to rescue a princess.

Advanced Usage

• "chivalric code": the system of rules and ideals that medieval knights were expected to follow.
  • Loyalty and courage were central tenets of the chivalric code.
• "chivalric romance": a literary genre from the medieval period focusing on the adventures and loves of knights.
  • "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is a famous example of a chivalric romance.

Variants and Related Words

• Chivalry (n): the medieval knightly system, its social code, or the qualities idealized by knighthood (e.g., gallantry, honor).
  • He acted with great chivalry.
• Chivalrous (adj): (of a man) courteous and gallant, especially toward women.
  • His chivalrous offer to carry her bags was appreciated.

Synonyms

• Knightly: of, relating to, or characteristic of a knight.
• Gallant: brave, heroic; (especially of a man) charmingly attentive to women.
• Courteous: polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.

Related Phrases

• Age of chivalry: the historical period in the Middle Ages associated with knighthood.
  • Tournaments were a popular spectacle during the age of chivalry.

Adjective

1. characteristic of the time of chivalry and knighthood in the Middle Ages
   • chivalric rites
   • the knightly years