chiv ‧ al ‧ ry /ˈʃɪv ə lri/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: chevalerie , from chevalier ; CHEVALIER ]
1 . behaviour that is honourable, kind, generous, and brave, especially men’s behaviour towards women
2 . a system of religious beliefs and honourable behaviour that ↑ knight s in the Middle Ages were expected to follow