Friday, August 27, 2010

#239 chivalry

chivalry- the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honour, justice, and readiness to help the weak; courteous behaviour especially towards women

C13 from Old French chevalerie, cheval- horse

The Age of Chivalry was also the age of the horse. Bedecked in elaborate armor and other trappings, horses were certainly well dressed, although they might have wished for lighter loads. That the horse should be featured so prominently during the Age of Chivalry is etymologically appropriate, because chivalry goes back to the Latin word caballus, "horse, especially a riding horse or packhorse.

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