What do we call the code of behavior linked to knights (bravery, loyalty, honor)?

The story behind the answer

The medieval knightly code emphasized courage in battle, unwavering loyalty to one’s lord, personal honor, protection of the weak, courtesy, and religious devotion. Emerging from the 11th–14th centuries, it was shaped by the Church, tournament culture, and courtly literature—especially Arthurian romances—which idealized knights as moral exemplars. The French root chevalier (“horseman”) hints at its origin in mounted warrior elites.

By contrast, feudalism was the political-economic system of land-for-service ties; heraldry dealt with coats of arms and lineage symbols; and gallantry referred to polite, courtly behavior (often toward women) and is just one facet of the broader code. In practice, the ideal was unevenly observed—real knights could be ruthless—but the code profoundly influenced European ethics, law, and literature.