Chivalry Chivalry, the order of knighthood, and especially, the code of knightly behavior, comes from many origins. In Middle English, the word "chevalrie" meant "mounted horseman". In Old french, the word "chevalrie" meant knightliness or "chevalier" meaning knight. (Microft, Encarta) Almost all origins of the word meant horseman. Warfare was not an option in the medieval period and the knight was the most crutial part. The knight's ability, and the military strength of the lord or king were nessesary for their survival. A knight was loyal to his king even though he was not always a member of his personal court. He was also loyal to his lord or lan