knighthood

[ nahyt-hood ]

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.

knighthood

/ ˈnaɪthʊd /

noun

1. the order, dignity, or rank of a knight
2. the qualities of a knight; knightliness
3. knights collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of knighthood¹

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

Example Sentences

Police in London announced an investigation into allegations that Charles’ charity the Prince’s Foundation was involved in a “cash for honors” deal in which a Saudi citizen was offered a knighthood in exchange for donations.

From Time

In addition to protecting his head and indicating his knighthood, the mask also allowed Kylo to feel more like his grandfather and idol, Darth Vader.

From TechCrunch

At the end of his life, after the AFI dinner, the queen offered, and he accepted, a knighthood.

From The Daily Beast

After his knighthood, I stop by to see him and call him Sir Alfred.

From The Daily Beast

Knighted by the Queen—honorary knighthood by the Queen, I should say.

From The Daily Beast

Prime Minister David Cameron responded by saying the victory should be marked in truly British style: with a knighthood.

From The Daily Beast

“I hear that a new order of Knighthood is on the tapis,” the letter reads.

From The Daily Beast

He then received the honour of knighthood but had retired from active service and become a director of his company.

From Project Gutenberg

Thereupon the Prince went to Westminster Abbey and conferred knighthood upon his companions.

From Project Gutenberg

On his first absence after receiving knighthood he is taken prisoner by the Lady of Malehaut, who detains him in her castle.

From Project Gutenberg

"Gilbert," said the nobleman, who was puffing himself up at the coach window, in his handsome red sash of the order of knighthood.

From Project Gutenberg

"I trust it will be found keen enough to satisfy any who question now my knighthood," came back the hot retort.

From Project Gutenberg