Definition of Knighthaod

Knighthood, a distinction granted to commoners, ranking next to baronet, now bestowed by the crown; formerly knighthood was a military order, any member of which might create new knights; it was originally the highest rank of Chivalry (q. v.); it was an order of many subdivisions developed during the crusades, and in full flower before the Norman conquest of England.

Knight"hood (?), n. [Knight + hood: cf. AS. chihthād youth.] 1. The character, dignity, or condition of a knight, or of knights as a class; hence, chivalry. "O shame to knighthood." Shak.

If you needs must write, write Cæsar's praise;
You 'll gain at least a knighthood, or the bays.

Pope.

2. The whole body of knights.

The knighthood nowadays are nothing like the knighthood of old time.

Chapman.

&fist; "When the order of knighthood was conferred with full solemnity in the leisure of a court or court or city, imposing preliminary ceremonies were required of the candidate. He prepared himself by prayer and fasting, watched his arms at night in a chapel, and was then admitted with the performance of religious rites. Knighthood was conferred by the accolade, which, from the derivation of the name, would appear to have been originally an embrace; but afterward consisted, as it still does, in a blow of the flat of a sword on the back of the kneeling candidate." Brande & C.

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