chivalry

Where does the word "chivalry" come from? It comes from Old French cheval, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Chivalry’s story begins in Old French: cheval meant “a horse.” Horse, the root behind mounted knighthood and its code of conduct. Within Old French, it grew into chivalrie by medieval. The qualities and code expected of a mounted knight. It reached English by 1300s as chivalry. Settled as the English word for courteous, honorable conduct. Today, chivalry means courteous, honorable, and gallant conduct, especially toward others.

1. Stage 1 · Old French · medieval cheval "a horse", horse, the root behind mounted knighthood and its code of conduct.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval chivalrie "knighthood, the code of a knight", the qualities and code expected of a mounted knight.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s chivalry "courteous and honorable conduct, especially by men", settled as the English word for courteous, honorable conduct.