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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Knighthood \Knight"hood\, n. [Knight hood: cf. AS. chihth[=a]d
youth.]
1. The character, dignity, or condition of a knight, or of
knights as a class; hence, chivalry. "O shame to
knighthood." --Shak.
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If you needs must write, write Caesar's praise;
You 'll gain at least a knighthood, or the bays.
--Pope.
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2. The whole body of knights.
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The knighthood nowadays are nothing like the
knighthood of old time. --Chapman.
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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.
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