knighthood

noun

knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight

2

: the qualities befitting a knight : chivalry

3

: knights as a class or body

Examples of knighthood in a Sentence

The Queen awarded a knighthood to the famous actor.

For their bravery, they were rewarded with knighthood.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the poem’s conclusion, Silence is made to give up his knighthood, marry a king, and forced into a life of silent passivity. Condemn, or keep quiet? —Jessica Hines, The Conversation, 16 May 2024

In Britain, Paul Johnson rejected a knighthood for just this reason. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

knighthood

noun

knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight

2

: the qualities that a knight should have

3

: knights as a class or body