> The word "chivalry" has its roots in the knight's battle mount (cheval), not his behaviour towards ladies. This is a bit disingenuous -- or perhaps just unin

> The word "chivalry" has its roots in the knight's battle mount (cheval), not his behaviour towards ladies. This is a bit disingenuous -- or perhaps just uninformed. Yes, that is the ultimate linguistic origin of the word. However, our modern usage of the word "chivalry" comes from the Code of Chivalry, a set of ideas promulgated first by the church, and later more widespread, and intended to mitigate the worst aspects of warlord-ish behavior the article refers to. The various forms of this code usually included requirements to protect the defenceless and treat women with honor.