knight-errantry

American  

[nahyt-er-uhn-tree] / ˈnaɪtˈɛr ən tri /

noun

plural

knight-errantries

1. the behavior, vocation, or character of a knight-errant.

2. quixotic conduct or action.

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knight errantry British  

noun

1. the practices of a knight errant

2. quixotic behaviour or practices

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Etymology

Origin of knight-errantry

First recorded in 1645–55; knight-errant + -ry

Example Sentences

Emma had forfeited her confidence, and about the third time of their meeting, she heard all Mrs. Elton’s knight-errantry on the subject.—

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

All the cares of state, however, and all the deeds of knight-errantry to defend the wronged and helpless, could not restrain Theseus’ love of danger for the sake of danger.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

With regard to Don Quixote, it need hardly be said that its object is satire upon the books of knight-errantry, which were so much used in the time of Cervantes, and especially by the Spanish.

From The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha by Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

Chaucer executes himself as willingly as the rest, and enters upon a long-winded tale of knight-errantry, parodied from the romances in vogue; but the Age of Chivalry is already half past.

From Chaucer and His England by Coulton, G. G.

In the stoutness of his knight-errantry, he seemed to think the last-named protection all-sufficient. 

From Rambles in Dickens' Land by Allbut, Robert