unknightly

[ uhn-nahyt-lee ]

adjective

1. unworthy of a knight.
2. not like a knight.

adverb

1. in a manner unworthy of a knight.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unknightly¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (adj.); un- ¹, knightly

Example Sentences

He did nothing unknightly, and, as it happened, did no harm to Lancelot But the strange turn of feeling was there all the same.

From Literature

You have committed a discourteous and unknightly act, and must give us time to forget it.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, perhaps, especially difficult to be an optimist in Africa, but Nares who had borne a good deal in its steamy shadow held fast to his faith, and it did not matter greatly to him that the latter day champion of the oppressed was a most unknightly figure in burst shoes and tattered garments and carried an American rifle.

From Project Gutenberg

Unknightly, un-nīt′li, adj. contrary to the rules of chivalry, unbecoming a knight.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

Your lady is fairest?—no man has a better right than you to think so, or to say so: but it is unknightly to attempt bolstering up her claims by a personal attack upon my ladye, whose charms I justifiably hold to be supreme.

From Project Gutenberg