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)

    Nae living man I’ll love again,
    Since that my lovely knight is slain.
    Wi ae lock of his yellow hair
    I’ll chain my heart for evermair.
    —Unknown. The Lament of the Border Widow (l. 25–28)