the behavior, vocation, or character of a knight-errant.
quixotic conduct or action.
the practices of a knight errant
quixotic behaviour or practices
First recorded in 1645–55; knight-errant + -ry
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Emma had forfeited her confidence, and about the third time of their meeting, she heard all Mrs. Elton’s knight-errantry on the subject.—
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
All the cares of state, however, and all the deeds of knight-errantry to defend the wronged and helpless, could not restrain Theseus’ love of danger for the sake of danger.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
When I reflect on this I am almost tempted to say that in my heart I repent of having adopted the profession of knight-errantry in so detestable an age as we live in.
From The Gentle Reader by Crothers, Samuel McChord
But the old knight-errantry of the air could not hold up against the new mass attacks.
From Our Army at the Front by Broun, Heywood
I am in love, but no more than the profession of knight-errantry obliges me to be.
From The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha by Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
