n.1 the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code.
2 the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp. courage, honour, courtesy, justice, and readiness to help the weak.
3 a man's courteous behaviour, esp. towards women.
4 archaic knights, noblemen, and horsemen collectively.
Derivatives:
chivalric adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF chevalerie etc. f. med.L caballerius for LL caballarius horseman: see CAVALIER