knightly virtues
Medieval warrior ethics
Knightly virtues are the moral ideals associated with medieval chivalry—courage, honor, loyalty, courtesy, and protection of the weak.
The phrase appears in discussions of literature, history, and ethics: The romance celebrated knightly virtues like valor and fidelity.
Modern use often carries a nostalgic or slightly ironic tone, invoking an idealized past.
- chivalryKnightly code of honor
- code of honorStandards governing moral conduct
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- valorCourage in danger
- courageFortitude facing danger
integrity · faith · fortitude · selflessness · humility · gallantry · piety · holy grail · noblesse oblige · Sir Gawain · righteousness · largesse · good deeds · loyalty · sworn oath · honesty · samurai code · fairness
knightly virtuestreachery
Deliberate violation of trust
cowardice · betrayal · disloyalty · faithlessness · cruelty
knightly virtuescowardice
Absence of bravery
cravenness · pusillanimity · timidity · faintheartedness · desertion