CHIVALRY

(From the French chevalier, knight.) The usases and customs pertaining to the order of knighthood. The general system of manners and tone of sentiments which the institution of knighthood, strictly pursued, was calculated to produce, and did in part produce, during the middle ages in Europe, is comprehended in ordinary language under the term of chivalry. This imaginary in stitution of chivalry, such as it is represented in the old ro m, Hires, had a uredly no full existence at any period in the usages of actual life. It was the ideal perfection of a code of morals and pursuits which was in truth only partially adopted; and bore the same relation to the real uf« [s. 239]