knightly
knightly Lexical Profile
knightly Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to, characteristic of, or befitting a medieval knight; possessing the chivalrous qualities of courage, honor, courtesy, and generosity.
"The ancient romance celebrates the hero's knightly devotion to justice and courtesy."
Composed of or belonging to the social order or rank of knights.
"The museum exhibition features ceremonial armor and banners from various knightly orders of medieval Europe."
• adverb
In a chivalrous, gallant, or honorable manner befitting a knight (now chiefly archaic or literary).
"In the ballad, the young squire swore to bear himself knightly in every trial he faced."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'knightly' (relating to a knight or chivalry) with its homophone 'nightly' (occurring every night).
• Rhymes for knightly
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'cnihtlic', meaning youthful or boyish, which evolved in Middle English alongside 'knight' to denote the noble, chivalrous qualities of a mounted feudal warrior.