KNIGHTHOOD
knighthood
(noun) aristocrats holding the rank of knight
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
knighthood (plural knighthoods)
An honour whereby one is made into a knight, and one can thereafter be called "Sir"
The quality of being a knight.
The knights collectively, the body of knights.
Source: Wiktionary
Knight"hood, n. Etym: [Knight + hood: cf. AS. chihthad youth.]
1. The character, dignity, or condition of a knight, or of knights as
a class; hence, chivalry. "O shame to knighthood." Shak.
If you needs must write, write Cæsar's praise; You 'll gain at least
a knighthood, or the bays. Pope.
2. The whole body of knights.
The knighthood nowadays are nothing like the knighthood of old time.
Chapman.
Note: "When the order of knighthood was conferred with full solemnity
in the leisure of a court or court or city, imposing preliminary
ceremonies were required of the candidate. He prepared himself by
prayer and fasting, watched his arms at night in a chapel, and was
then admitted with the performance of religious rites. Knighthood was
conferred by the accolade, which, from the derivation of the name,
would appear to have been originally an embrace; but afterward
consisted, as it still does, in a blow of the flat of a sword on the
back of the kneeling candidate." Brande & C.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition