knighthood ( gh silent), knighthode, knyghthod, knyghthode

[A. S. cnihthád, from cniht a knight, and hád = hood =condition.] 1. The character, dignity, or rank of a knight. IMG:content-0273.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-0274.png:[blocks in formation] *3. Conduct becoming or befitting a knight; knightly conduct. "Corsede caytyfs, knyght - hode was hit nevere To bete a body y-bounde." P. Plowman , p. 344. 4. Knights collectively; the aggregate of those persons who have been created knights. "Which ceremony, as was formerly hinted, is supposed to have been the original of the feudal knighthood."Black stone: Comment., bk. ii., ch. 5. Order of Knighthood: A duly organized and constituted order or body of knights. They are of two kinds, the first consisting of a ociations or fraternities, po e ing property and rights of their own, as independent bodies; the second honorary a ociations established by sovereigns within their own dominions. To the first cla belong the Knights Templars and Hospitallers; to the second those numerous orders established in different countries, as the Order of the Holy Ghost, the Order of the Golden Fleece, ., in European countries, and the Orders of the Bath, the Garter, St. Patrick, St. Michael, and St. George, the Thistle, ., in Great Britain. Each order has its appropriate insignia, generally including ribbon, collar, badge, or jewel and a star. [BATH, GARTER, ORDER, STAR, THISTLE.] *knight'-le ( gh silent), a. [Eng. knight ; -le .] 1. Destitute of knights. 2. Unbecoming a knight. "Arise thou cursed miscreant, That hast with knightle e guile and treacherous traine, Faire knighthood foully shamed." Spenser: F. Q., 1. vi. 41. knight-like ( gh silent), a. [Eng. knight ; -like .] Resembling a knight; becoming a knight; knightly. knight-li-ne ( gh silent), s. [Eng. knightly; -ne . 1. The quality or state of being knightly. 2. Knightly actions; chivalry.