Chivalry \Chiv"al*ry\, n. [F. chevalerie, fr. chevalier knight, OF., horseman. See Chevalier, and cf. Cavalry.]

1. A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry. ``His Memphian chivalry.'' --Milton.

By his light Did all the chivalry of England move, To do brave acts. --Shak.

2. The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry. --Dryden.

3. The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc.

The glory of our Troy this day doth lie On his fair worth and single chivalry. --Shak.

4. (Eng. Law) A tenure of lands by knight's service; that is, by the condition of a knight's performing service on horseback, or of performing some noble or military service to his lord.

5. Exploit. [Obs.]

--Sir P. Sidney.

Court of chivalry, a court formerly held before the lord high constable and earl marshal of England as judges, having cognizance of contracts and other matters relating to deeds of arms and war. --Blackstone.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)