KNIGHTLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does knightly mean? 

• KNIGHTLY (adjective)
  The adjective KNIGHTLY has 2 senses:

1. characteristic of the time of chivalry and knighthood in the Middle Ages

2. being attentive to women like an ideal knight

  Familiarity information: KNIGHTLY used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• KNIGHTLY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Characteristic of the time of chivalry and knighthood in the Middle Ages

Synonyms:

chivalric; knightly; medieval

Context example:

the knightly years

Similar:

past (earlier than the present time; no longer current)

Derivation:

knight (originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Being attentive to women like an ideal knight

Synonyms:

chivalrous; gallant; knightly

Similar:

courteous (characterized by courtesy and gracious good manners)

Derivation:

knight (originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit)

 Context examples 

If there be such peril, Sir Oliver, quoth Sir Nigel, it would be very knightly and fitting that we should show our pennons.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He composed heroic songs and began to write many a tale of enchantment and knightly adventure.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

It is a most knightly largesse, and yet withouten money how can man rise?

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Lawk no, kind sir,” she answered, clutching her bacon the tighter, as though some design upon it might be hid under this knightly offer.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There was one, indeed, Sir Peter, who smote out like a true man; but, unless he is belied, he did but clip a varlet's ear, which was no very knightly deed.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Thunders of applause from the English soldiers, as well as from the citizens and peasants, showed how far the love of brave and knightly deeds could rise above the rivalries of race.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Had the man who sits upon your right been ruler of this land, I had indeed thought twice before I looked to him for aught that was knightly or generous.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I have seen Frenchmen fight both in open field, in the intaking and the defending of towns or castlewicks, in escalados, camisades, night forays, bushments, sallies, outfalls, and knightly spear-runnings.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

So used were the good burghers of Bordeaux to martial display and knightly sport, that an ordinary joust or tournament was an everyday matter with them.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He hath a very strong desire to advance himself, and would have entered upon some small knightly debate with me, had he not chanced to have his arm-bone broken by the kick of a horse.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)