court of chivalry

1 definition found

court of chivalry - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Chivalry \Chiv"al*ry\, n. [F. chevalerie, fr. chevalier knight,
     OF., horseman. See Chevalier, and cf. Cavalry.]
     1. A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on
        horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry.
        "His Memphian chivalry." --Milton.
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              By his light
              Did all the chivalry of England move,
              To do brave acts.                     --Shak.
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     2. The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages,
        or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry.
        --Dryden.
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     3. The qualifications or character of knights, as valor,
        dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc.
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              The glory of our Troy this day doth lie
              On his fair worth and single chivalry. --Shak.
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     4. (Eng. Law) 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.
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     5. Exploit. [Obs.] --Sir P. Sidney.
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     Court of chivalry, a court formerly held before the lord
        high constable and earl marshal of England as judges,
        having cognizance of contracts and other matters relating
        to deeds of arms and war. --Blackstone.
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