Chivalry, or the chivalric language, is an informal and varying code of conduct developed in Europe between 1170 and 1220.

Today, chivalry typically refers to an honorable and polite way of behaving, especially by men toward women. And when people say “chivalry is dead” they’re usually bemoaning either a perceived lack of good manners among those they encounter generally, or a dearth of men holding doors for appreciative women.

Jan 29, 2025 · Chivalry, the knightly class of feudal times. The primary sense of the term in Europe in the Middle Ages is ‘knights,’ or ‘fully armed and mounted fighting men.’ Thence the term came to mean the gallantry and honour expected of knights.

CHIVALRY definition: 1. very polite, honest, and kind behaviour, especially by men towards women 2. the system of…. Learn more.

May 14, 2018 · In medieval Europe, a code of ethics known as chivalry developed which included rules and expectations that the nobility would, at all times, behave in a certain manner. Chivalry was, in addition, a...

Jan 23, 2019 · In the 21st century, the word chivalry evokes a kind of old-fashioned male respect for women. But during the Middle Ages, the code was established for much grittier reasons.

Jul 10, 2019 · Chivalry was a medieval era ethical concept which summarized the ideal behavior expected of Middle Age warriors (knights). In other words, chivalry was a specified code of conduct which spelled out the virtues of real warriors.

However, the code of chivalry during the medieval era was understood to be a set of rules that were beyond combat. It introduced the concept of gallantry and several other qualities of medieval knights, such as bravery, honor, and courtesy to women.

Chivalry is often associated with the medieval knightly class, but the reality of chivalry was much more complex. Learn about the history and evolution of this code of conduct, and how it eventually fell out of favor!

May 14, 2018 · chivalry (Fr. chevalerie, knighthood) Code of ethics and behaviour of the knightly class that developed from the feudal system. A combination of Christian ethics and military codes of conduct, the main chivalric virtues were piety, honour, valour, chastity, and loyalty.