chivalry
/'ʃivəlri/
Definition
- Noun:
- The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood: This refers to the historical institution, code of behavior, and social ideals associated with knights in the Middle Ages.
- The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women: This meaning extends the concept to describe the admirable personal conduct and virtues expected of a knight.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The tales of King Arthur are filled with themes of chivalry and honor.
- He opened the door for her with old-fashioned chivalry.
Advanced Usage
"Age of Chivalry": A historical term referring to the medieval period, especially the 12th to 15th centuries, when the knightly system was prominent.
- The "Age of Chivalry" is often romanticized in literature and film.
"Chivalric code" or "code of chivalry": The set of rules and oaths that governed a knight's conduct.
- A knight swore to uphold the chivalric code, pledging to protect the weak and serve his lord faithfully.
Variants and Related Words
Chivalric (adj): Pertaining to chivalry; having the qualities of a knight.
- He had a chivalric devotion to justice.
Chivalrous (adj): (Of a man or his behavior) courteous and gallant, especially toward women.
- It was a chivalrous gesture to offer her his coat.
Synonyms
- Knighthood: The institution or character of knights.
- Gallantry: Courageous behavior, especially in battle; polite attention or respect given by men to women.
- Courtesy: The showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others.
Related Phrases
- Knight-errantry: The practice of medieval knights wandering in search of adventure to prove their chivalric virtues.
- The novel depicts a life of knight-errantry and quests.
Related Idioms
- A knight in shining armor: A man who comes to the rescue of a woman in a chivalrous manner. (Note: This idiom uses the related concept of a "knight," which is central to chivalry.)
- She joked that she didn't need a knight in shining armor to solve her problems.
Noun
-
the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conduct
-
courtesy towards women
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