chiva

a. [ See Chivalry. ] Relating to chivalry; knightly; chivalrous. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ OF. chevalerus, chevalereus, fr. chevalier. See Chivalry. ] Pertaining to chivalry or knight-errantry; warlike; heroic; gallant; high-spirited; high-minded; magnanimous. [ 1913 Webster ]

In brave pursuit of chivalrous emprise. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a chivalrous manner; gallantly; magnanimously. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

By his light
Did all the chivalry of England move,
To do brave acts. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

The glory of our Troy this day doth lie
On his fair worth and single chivalry. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Exploit. [ Obs. ] Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple.
Syn. -- shivaree, charivari, callithump, callathump. [ WordNet 1.5 ]