A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry.
The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry.
The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc.
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.
A collective term for people recognized by the society as possessing prowess in heavy weapons combat and chivalric virtues. The order of Chivalry contains two subgroups: Knights swear fealty to the Crown, while Masters-of-Arms do not.
Code of behavior/ethics for knights, based on telling the truth, keeping one's word and protecting those weaker than oneself.
The Knights of the Kingdom
The collective term for the social codes of knighthood that originated in France in the Middle Ages. It was based on brave, courteous and honourable behaviour – what came to be known as 'gentlemanly conduct' – and was the subject of much medieval literature. Orders of knighthood, such as the Knights of the Garter, are called 'chivalric' orders. Find out more
the medieval principles of knighthood
A term used in association with ancient Orders (of Chivalry) such as Knighthoods, which usually carry with them the title 'Sir' or 'Dame'.
The code of honour among knights that required them to faithfully serve their lord, fight for Christianity, and treat people with respect.
(see Knight): The Chivalry consists of Knights and Masters at Arms. Knights swear fealty to the Crown and wear a white belt; Masters do not swear fealty, and wear a white baldric.
set of customs and rituals connected with Medieval knighthood, stressing loyalty to God and king, fidelity to lady-loves, ready aid to victims of injustice, and opposition to monsters, giants, and tyrants. Mallory's Mort d'Arthur and Tennyson's Idylls of the King are examples by English writers.
1) the code of behavior associated with medieval knighthood. 2) the qualities idealised by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honour, fidelity, and defence of the weak. 3) the charitable Christian activities of modern orders of chivalry or knighthood based on such traditional principles (See military-religious orders.).
The idealized code of conduct for medieval knights, chivalry exalted courage and courtesy in battle, generousity to one's inferiors and loyalty to one's lord. Church involvement in the Crusades added love of God and the defense of Christian principles to the code. With the end of the Crusading period, chivalric behaviour extended to the idealization of women and courtly love and became the pursuit of the elite who expressed the antiquated military code in mock battles and jousts.
