01 n. A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry.
-
1.
A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry.“By his light Did all the chivalry of England move, To do brave acts.” — Shak.
-
2.
The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry.
-
3.
The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc.“The glory of our Troy this day doth lie On his fair worth and single chivalry.” — Shak.
-
4.
A tenure of lands by knight's service; that is, by the condition of a knight's performing service on horseback, or of performing some noble or military service to his lord.(Eng. Law)
-
5.
Exploit.[Obs.]
Phrases & compounds
Court of chivalry —
a court formerly held before the lord high constable and earl marshal of England as judges, having cognizance of contracts and other matters relating to deeds of arms and war.