Chivalry
/ˈʃɪv.əl.ri/noun
The medieval knightly system of honor, courage, and courteous behavior.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from the same Latin root as English words like cavalry and cavalier, because medieval chivalry began as the culture of mounted warriors.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱekʷlos
“Wheel; by extension, something that turns or runs in a cycle.”
Latin
Latin
caballus
“A horse, especially a workhorse or packhorse.”
Late Latin
Latin
caballarius
“A horseman; one connected with horses.”
Old French
Old French
chevalerie
“Horsemanship; knighthood; the class and conduct of mounted warriors.”
Middle English
English
chivalrie
“The institution, rank, or behavior of knights.”
Modern English
English
chivalry
“The medieval knightly system of honor, courage, and courteous behavior.”