The medieval code of conduct associated with knightly behavior was called chivalry. The term described ideals connected with warfare, social conduct, loyalty, courage, and service.
Chivalry was not a single universally enforced law. Its expectations were expressed through sermons, romances, chronicles, household instruction, and the behavior expected by aristocratic society. Commonly praised virtues included bravery, generosity, loyalty, courtesy, and protection of the weak, although actual knights often fell short of these ideals.
The word comes through Old French chevalerie, related to chevalier, meaning a mounted warrior or knight. Modern popular culture often treats chivalry as mainly polite treatment of women. Medieval chivalric writing was broader: it concerned a warrior’s reputation, obligations to a lord, religious duties, and conduct toward enemies and fellow nobles.