What does "chivalry" mean?
Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle.
Chivalry
/ˈʃɪvəlɹi/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle.
- Grammar: chivalry is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: gallantry, ancienne noblesse, aristocracy, arms.
- Useful contrasts: cowardice, cruelty, disrespect.
- Usage evidence: The times of chivalry between two rivals is long gone.
How to use "chivalry"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "chivalry" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "chivalry" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "chivalry" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "chivalry" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "chivalry" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "gallantry" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "chivalry", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle. archaic, historical, uncountable, usually
"‘Most of the lords who rode with Lord Renly to Storm's End have gone over banner-and-blade to Stannis, with all their chivalry.’"
- 2 courtesy towards women wordnet
- 3 The fact or condition of being a knight; knightly skill, prowess. obsolete, uncountable, usually
- 4 the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conduct wordnet
- 5 The ethical code of the knight prevalent in Medieval Europe, having such primary virtues as mercy towards the poor and oppressed, humility, honour, sacrifice, fear of God, faithfulness, courage and courtesy to ladies. uncountable, usually
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Courtesy, respect and honourable conduct, as between opponents in wartime. uncountable, usually
"He had seen the woman he craved—his woman—his mate—in the arms of another. There had been but one course open to him, according to the fierce jungle code that guided him in this other existence; but just before it had become too late the softer sentiments of his inherent chivalry had risen above the flaming fires of his passion and saved him. A thousand times he gave thanks that they had triumphed before his fingers had released that polished arrow."
- 7 Courteous behaviour, especially that of men towards women. uncountable, usually
- 8 A tenure of lands by knightly service. UK, historical, uncountable, usually
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The times of chivalry between two rivals is long gone."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "chivalry"?
Common synonyms include: gallantry, ancienne noblesse, aristocracy, arms, art of war, baronage.
How do you use "chivalry" in a sentence?
The times of chivalry between two rivals is long gone.
How do you pronounce "chivalry"?
Pronounced /ˈʃɪvəlɹi/.
Etymology
From Middle English chivalerie, a late 13th century loan from Old French chevalerie (“knighthood, chivalry, nobility, cavalry”) (11th century), the -erie (“-ery”) abstract of chevaler (“knight, horseman”), from Medieval Latin caballarius (“horseman, knight”), from caballus (“horse”). Medieval Latin caballaria (“knighthood, status or fief of a knight”) dates to the 12th century. Doublet of cavalry.