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Old 02-22-2010, 12:44 PM   #8 (permalink)
snowy
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Well, first we should define chivalry. Many times, chivalry gets lumped in with acts of politeness/common courtesy, which is not really what chivalry is.

From the OED:

Quote:
1. collect. Knights or horsemen equipped for battle. a. The contemporary name for the ‘men-at-arms’, or mounted and fully armed fighting-men, of the Middle Ages. Obs. (In OF. chevalier translates miles, chevalerie = militia.)

b. as collect. sing. A body of men-at-arms.

c. Applied by early translators to the horsemen (, equitatus, equites) of ancient Greece and Rome, for which CAVALRY is the modern equivalent. Obs.

d. Rarely applied to CAVALRY in the ordinary modern sense. Obs.

e. As a historical term for the mediæval men-at-arms. Occasionally applied poetically or idealistically to ‘cavalry’ or ‘horsemen’ in general, esp. when chivalrous gallantry is attributed.

f. In more extended and complimentary sense: Gallant gentlemen.

2. As at one time the ‘chivalry’ constituted the main strength of a mediæval army (the archers, slingers, etc. being mere subordinate adjuncts), the word had sometimes the value of ‘army’, ‘host’.

3. The position and character of a knight, knighthood. a. generally. Obs.

b. In early use, esp. Bravery or prowess in war; warlike distinction or glory. Phrase, to do chivalry. Obs.

c. The military art (of the middle ages), knightly skill and practice in arms and martial achievements. arch.

d. Knighthood as a rank or order. arch.

4. A feat of knightly valour; a gallant deed, exploit. Obs. or arch.

5. The knightly system of feudal times with its attendant religious, moral, and social code, usages, and practices. age of chivalry: the period during which this prevailed.

6. The brave, honourable, and courteous character attributed to the ideal knight; disinterested bravery, honour, and courtesy; chivalrousness.

7. Flower of Chivalry: in various senses: a. Flower or fairest type of knighthood, or of feudal chivalry; b. the prize or highest honour of knightly prowess; c. the choice portion of a force of armed knights.

8. Old Law. Tenure by knight's service (abolished in 1662, and since only Hist.). guardian or warden in chivalry: The guardian of a minor holding by knight's service. Obs. exc. Hist.

9. Court of Chivalry (curia militaris): a court formerly held before the Lord High Constable and the Earl Marshal of England, having cognizance of matters relating to deeds of arms out of the realm. When deprived of its criminal jurisdiction it continued to judge civil cases concerning points of honour and family distinction. Obs.

¶10. improperly. Team of horses. [cf. cheval.]

11. Comb., as chivalry-play, -ribbon, -romance.
Chivalrous:
Quote:
I. In early use.

1. Like, or having the characteristics of, a (mediæval) knight or man-at-arms; esp. doughty, valorous. (See quot. 1611.) Obs. exc. as forming part of sense 3.

b. Of places: Of warlike renown. Obs.

II. In modern (revived) use.

2. Of or pertaining to the Age of Chivalry, or to the knights of that age (as viewed historically).

3. Of, belonging to, or characteristic of the ideal knight; possessing all the virtues attributed to the Age of Chivalry; characterized by pure and noble gallantry, honour, courtesy, and disinterested devotion to the cause of the weak or oppressed. Sometimes, ‘gallant, or disinterestedly devoted in the service of the female sex’; sometimes, in ridicule = ‘quixotic’.

4. Of knightly position or rank. rare.
Is chivalry dead? Yeah. It's been dead for a while, if we stick to the definition provided by the OED.

Is common courtesy dead? I hope not, and I certainly hope that the feminist movement hasn't changed common courtesy; rather, I hope that the feminist movement has made common courtesy more equitable.
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