Cavalry \Cav"al*ry\, n. [F. cavalerie, fr. It. cavalleria. See Cavalier, and cf. chivalry.]

(Mil.) That part of military force which serves on horseback.

Note: Heavy cavalry and light cavalry are so distinguished by the character of their armament, and by the size of the men and horses.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)