Knight

Knight, mounted man-at-arms of medieval Europe, who served a king or other feudal superior, usually in return for the tenure of a tract of land, but sometimes for pay, as a mercenary. The knight was generally a man of noble birth who had served in the lower ranks as page and squire before being ceremoniously inducted into knighthood by his superior. At his induction the knight usually swore to be brave, loyal, and courteous and to protect the defenseless. After the 15th century, knighthood was conferred on civilians as a reward for public services.

In modern-day Britain, knighthood is an honor conferred by the monarch on both men and women in recognition of outstanding personal merit. The knight is usually created through appointment to an order of knighthood. The title sir or dame is prefixed to his or her first name, and initials standing for the order of knighthood follow the name. For example, John Smith, on receiving the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the Garter, is afterward known as Sir John Smith, K.G. Knighthood is also occasionally conferred without membership in a particular order. A knight so created is known as a Knight Bachelor, and the name is followed by the abbreviation Kt., standing for knight.