knight-errantry

[ nahyt-er-uhn-tree ]

noun

, plural knight-er·rant·ries.

1. the behavior, vocation, or character of a knight-errant.
2. quixotic conduct or action.

knight errantry

noun

1. the practices of a knight errant
2. quixotic behaviour or practices

Word History and Origins

Origin of knight-errantry¹

First recorded in 1645–55; knight-errant + -ry

Example Sentences

Those mighty enquiries were the intellectual jousts and tournaments of the age of chivalry and knight errantry.

From Project Gutenberg

The king seems to have had no definite purpose beyond gratifying his taste for knight-errantry.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the old axiom of knight-errantry adapted to our own century, which made every weapon fair used against the plebeian!

From Project Gutenberg

And as all this passed rapidly through her mind it aroused all her knight-errantry, raising a strongly protective spirit in her.

From Project Gutenberg

Then I resolved with true knight-errantry To burst the door, and set the captive free.

From Project Gutenberg