1. Hist. In the Middle Ages, a person of noble birth who, having been trained in arms and chivalry, was bound to follow an earl, baron, or other superior lord into battle.
2. In modern Britain, a man upon whom the monarch has bestowed an honorary dignity (knighthood) as a reward for personal merit of some kind. • The status of knighthood no longer relates to birth or possessions and does not involve military service.
