This was an essential quality of a knight, being a combination of skill with both daring and valour. Such a skill was both developed and demonstrated at tournaments, whether in the *melee or in single combat on foot with a sword or jousting. Before the Battle of Najera in 1367, the Black Prince said in a prayer that he was there 'for the maintenance of right, and for prowess and nobility . . . to gain a life of honour'. Prowess shares its etymology with *proux. [< OldFr. prou = worthy, valiant, brave] -
Cf. Courage
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.