knight

(nit), v. t. [ knehten); from the noun: see knight, n.] To dub or create a knight; confer the honor of knighthood upon. The ceremony is regularly performed by touching the person on whom the dignity is conferred with a sword as he kneels. See accolade, 1. A soldier, by the honour-giving hand Of Cceur-de-Lion knighted in the field. Shak., K. John, i. 1, 54. This drone, yet never brave attempt that dar’d, Yet dares be knighted, and from thence dares grow To any title empire can bestow. Drayton, To Mr. Wm. Brown, Of the Evil Time. Se (ni‘taj), 2. [