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

Example Sentences

At the time, the Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt said: "This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that."

From BBC

Meanwhile, the Royal Edinburgh Botanic Garden's chief executive said it was an "immense honour" to have been awarded a knighthood as he prepares to retire.

From BBC

Figure skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are given a damehood and knighthood respectively, while there is also recognition of the Red Roses winning the women's rugby union World Cup.

From BBC

As spring turned to summer, Mark Carney led Canada's Liberal Party to an unlikely victory, Prince Harry told the BBC he wanted to reconcile with the Royal Family, and David Beckham got a knighthood.

From BBC

Andrew will also lose his Order of the Garter, the most senior knighthood in the British realm.

From The Wall Street Journal