knightly

[ nahyt-lee ]

adjective

1. characteristic of a knight; noble, courageous, and generous:

   knightly deeds.

2. being or resembling a knight.
3. of or belonging to a knight:

   knightly duties.

4. composed of knights.

adverb

1. in a manner befitting a knight.

knightly

/ ˈnaɪtlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, resembling, or befitting a knight

Derived Forms

• ˈknightliness, noun

Other Words From

• knightli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of knightly¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English cnihtlīc. See knight, -ly

Example Sentences

The Olympics and chariot racing declined as the Roman world fragmented, and knightly tournaments, which served to entertain and prepare its participants for war, emerged as the new popular spectacle.

From Salon

When I was anointed a reporter at 21, I felt as if I had been inducted into a knightly order dedicated to Truth and I’ve never been totally deprogrammed.

From Salon

Notably, she becomes the first woman to carry and present the diamond, ruby and emerald encrusted sword - which symbolises royal power and the monarch accepting his duty and knightly virtues.

From BBC

Mr. Tisci pointed to a trench turned into a bustier dress and a pink twin set, embellished with crystals that formed the brand’s knightly emblem, as examples of what he was talking about.

From New York Times

Freydís later gives a different necklace she wears to the man she loves, to protect him, like a knightly favor.

From Salon