[chiv.al.ry] n, pl -ries [ME chivalrie, fr. MF chevalerie, fr. chevalier knight--more at chevalier] (14c) 1: mounted men-at-arms
2. archaic a: martial valor b: knightly skill
3: gallant or distinguished gentlemen
4: the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood
5: the qualities of the ideal knight: chivalrous conduct