Chivalry

Chivalry

1. The sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms.

2. The rules and customs of medieval knighthood.

3. The medieval system or institution of knighthood.

4. Gallant warriors or gentlemen.

5. A chivalrous act; gallant deed. (Archaic)

The Peace of God or Pax Dei was an influence upon chivalry instituted by the church as an attempt to reign in the bloody excesses of early knights. It stated that knights should protect weaker members of society, among them women and children. It also stated that churches were not to be invaded, priests not bearing arms were not to be struck, and peasants and the poor were not to be robbed.