n. [ F. chevalerie, fr. chevalier knight, OF., horseman. See Chevalier, and cf. Cavalry. ] 1. A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry. “His Memphian chivalry.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] By his light
Did all the chivalry of England move,
To do brave acts. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] The glory of our Troy this day doth lie
On his fair worth and single chivalry. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Eng. Law) 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Exploit. [ Obs. ] Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]
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