knightly

American  

[nahyt-lee] / ˈnaɪt li /

adjective

1. characteristic of a knight; noble, courageous, and generous.

   knightly deeds.

2. being or resembling a knight.

3. of or belonging to a knight.

   knightly duties.

4. composed of knights.

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adverb

1. in a manner befitting a knight.

knightly British  

/ ˈnaɪtlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, resembling, or befitting a knight

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Other Word Forms

• knightliness noun

Etymology

Origin of knightly

before 1000; Middle English; Old English cnihtlīc. See knight, -ly

Example Sentences

The Olympics and chariot racing declined as the Roman world fragmented, and knightly tournaments, which served to entertain and prepare its participants for war, emerged as the new popular spectacle.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

Notably, she becomes the first woman to carry and present the diamond, ruby and emerald encrusted sword - which symbolises royal power and the monarch accepting his duty and knightly virtues.

From BBC • May 6, 2023

He walked red carpets in floor-length designer coats, embroidered suits, knightly capes and so many bright, lickable patterns that the clothes became their own candy shop.

From New York Times • Aug. 29, 2020

Though Conan Doyle lived by his pen, not by the sword, his gravestone bears a knightly inscription: “Steel true, blade straight.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 14, 2020

Lancelot was stretched out in his knightly gown.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White