knighthood

American  

[nahyt-hood] / ˈnaɪt hʊd /

noun

1. the rank or dignity of a knight.

   to confer knighthood upon him.

2. the profession or vocation of a knight.

3. knightly character or qualities.

4. the body of knights.

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knighthood British  

/ ˈnaɪthʊd /

noun

1. the order, dignity, or rank of a knight

2. the qualities of a knight; knightliness

3. knights collectively

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Etymology

Origin of knighthood

before 900; Middle English knighthod, Old English cnihthād. See knight, -hood

Explanation

Knighthood is an official title given to British men who have performed some kind of extraordinary service. When someone receives a knighthood, they're formally addressed as "Sir." The state of being a knight is knighthood, and the title itself is also known as a knighthood. Elton John, Sean Connery, and Charlie Chaplin are among the famous performers who have received knighthoods from Queen Elizabeth. Back in the Middle Ages, a knighthood could only be earned through heroism on the battlefield or by working as an knight's apprentice for years. The Old English source of knighthood was cnihthad, "the period between childhood and manhood."

Example Sentences

Sarah Gilbert, the Oxford Jenner Institute scientist who co-developed the vaccine, will be made a Dame, while her colleague, the institute's director, Adrian Hill, is to receive an honorary Knighthood.

From Reuters • Jun. 11, 2021

In 1982, the Knighthood of the Cordon Bleu.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2021

CB: You receive a letter that says you’ve been recommended for an honor – in my case, a Knighthood – and would you accept?

From Forbes • Apr. 9, 2015

I hear that a new order of Knighthood is on the tapis — O.M.G.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2014

As with Knighthood, Smith settled in to work on the horse.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand