Knight

Knight

A knight is a person granted an honorary title of knighthood by a monarch or other political leader for service to the monarch or country, especially in a military capacity. Historically, in Europe, knighthood has been conferred upon mounted warriors. During the High Middle Ages, knighthood was considered a class of lower nobility. By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior. Since the Early Modern period, the title of knight is purely honorific, usually bestowed by a monarch, as in the British honours system, often for non-military service to the country.

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Famous quotes containing the word knight:

    The knight slew the dragon,
    The lady was gay,
    They rode on together,
    Away, away.
    —Unknown. This Is the Key (l. 38–41)

    By a knight of ghosts and shadows
    I summon’d am to a tourney
    Ten leagues beyond the wide world’s end:
    Methinks it is no journey.
    —Unknown. Tom o’ Bedlam’s Song (l. 57–60)

    The Knight of the Doleful Countenance.
    Miguel De Cervantes (1547–1616)