What is chivalry? Chivalry can be a concept, a way of being or simply a description. According to Webster's Dictionary chivalry is:

Etymology: Middle English chivalrie, from Middle French chevalerie,
from chevalier knight -- more at CHEVALIER
Date: 14th century
1 : mounted men-at-arms
2 archaic a : martial valor b : knightly skill
3 : gallant or distinguished gentlemen
4 : the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood
5 : the qualities of the ideal knight : chivalrous conduct

And according to the American Heritage Dictionary it is:

NOUN:
Inflected forms: chiv·al·ries. 1. The medieval system, principles, and customs of
knighthood. 2. A manifestation of any of these qualities. 3. A group of knights
or gallant gentlemen.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English chivalrie., from Old French chevalerie., from chevalier,
knight. See entry CHEVALIER.

Condensing both of these definitions down, It seems to refer to knighthood, and the virtues of knighthood. This brings us to the second part of our question. What are those virtues of Chivalry? Among them are Honor, Courage, Generosity, Forgiveness, and Loyalty. Given those stray bits of facts chivalry is also something that is in your own belief system.

Chivalry was the subject of folklore and song. The Chansons wrote much on the subject of chivalry and courtly love. King Edward III was known as the "Flower of Chivalry." Chivalry was glorified during the Middle Ages as the only way to act. But still it was a vague and often idealized concept, honor before all, forgiveness of all, loyalty to king and country, prowess at martial skills, and the gentle treatment of their lady fair. This is the common understanding of chivalry.

What is chivalry to me? Chivalry is kindness' extended to others, whether it is as simple as opening a door for someone else or as complex as helping someone else in a time of need without thought. Chivalry is a lifestyle that one accepts as a part of them. Responding with tact and caring to those you interact with. It is a generosity of spirit and a kind word given at that most needed time. It is loyalty to your friends and family, as well as the courage to stand up to what you believe in despite the adversity. Chivalry is a mishmash of many attributes that we in the modern world accredit "good people" with.

Is chivalry dead? Maybe in the idealized version it is dying, however, there is much that we can do to change this from a death to a rebirth. Take on the "Golden Rule" as a start. You know the one, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Take the time to help the person that seems to be carry to large a load. Give someone a kind word or just a smile.