chivalry

/ˈʃɪvəlri/

/ˈʃɪvəlri/

Other forms: chivalries

Men behaving courteously toward women — holding the door for them, offering them their jackets when it's cold — is called chivalry. Many women consider chivalry a lost art. Nice work, fellas.

Cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and chivalry have the same root: the Medieval Latin word caballarius, meaning "horseman" or "knight." In the Middle Ages, a knight was expected to be brave, loyal, and to open the tavern door for his date. Picture a knight kneeling before a maiden and kissing her hand. It's a classic image of chivalry from the storybooks. Some women wonder whether chivalry has ever existed anywhere else.

Definitions of chivalry

1. noun

   the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conduct
   synonyms: knightliness

   type of:

   principle

   a rule or standard especially of good behavior
2. noun

   courtesy towards women
   synonyms: gallantry, politesse

   type of:

   courtesy, good manners

   a courteous manner