Chivalry
See also order of chivalry
Chivalry refers to the medieval institution of Knighthood and, most especially, the ideals that were/have become associated with it throughout literature. It was also often associated with ideals of Knightly Virtues, Honour and of Courtly love.
Chivalry was in essence a warrior code propagated by the Church. The Church intended to make the mounted soldiers of the Middle Ages into Christian knights who would protect society instead of ravage it.
The word comes ultimately from the Latin caballus, or "nag". (This word developed into the term for "horse" in languages descended from Vulgar Latin.) The French chevalier, the Spanish caballero, and the English cavalier derive their names from the same word. The intention, in all these cases, is to distinguish the aristocratic knight on horseback from the peasant infantryman walking with his pike and the artilleryman dragging his vulgar machinery.
In war, the chivalrous knight was idealized as brave in Battle, loyal to his king and God, and willing to Sacrifice himself. Towards his fellow Christians and countrymen, the knight was to be merciful, humble, and courteous. Towards noble ladies above all, the knight was to be gracious and gentle. The idealized relationship between knight and lady was that of Courtly love.
Other meanings
In a contemporary context, chivalry denotes courteous behaviour, especially towards women.Notes
- : Etymology: English from 1292, loaned from Old French chevalerie "horsemanship," from chevaler "horseman" from Medieval Latin caballarius "horseman"; Cavalry is from the Middle French form of the same word.