(Singular miles) The Latin term for "men at arms," or "soldier" used to cover what later became known as "
knights " in English, "Chevaliers" in French, "Caballero" in Spanish, and "Ritter" in German. It seems to have come into use during the 10th century, before there was any attachment of the "knightly virtues" or the term "
chivalry ," which came into use in France during the 12th century. By the end of the 12th century these warriors had evolved into their own social class, a caste in society, gradually becoming attached to the lower
nobility . 
