ˈshivəlrəs sometimes shə̇ˈval- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French chevalereus, from chevalier knight + -eus -ous — more at chevalier
1. : characteristic of or like a knight of feudal times especially in valor : valiant , warlike
in brave pursuit of chivalrous emprise — Edmund Spenser
2. : relating to, according with, or suggestive of the system of chivalry and knight-errantry obtaining in the age of chivalry in the later medieval period
the austere inspection of … these battlemented city walls and these dark churches could not have been more chivalrous — George Santayana
3.
a. : characteristic of or relating to the ideal knight of feudal and Renaissance times according to modern romantic tradition
b. : marked by honor, fairness, generosity, and kindliness especially to foes, the weak and lowly, and the vanquished according to knightly tradition
Robert E. Lee, the great Southern general, chivalrous , gentle — S.V.Benét
c. : marked by especial courtesy and high-minded disinterested consideration to women
a broken heart made an irresistible appeal to a chivalrous mind — Ellen Glasgow
4. : of or relating to a knight : knightly
chivalrous rank
Synonyms: see civil