Knightly

Origin

From Middle English knightly, knightlich, from Old English cnihtlīċ ("boyish, youthful, childish"), equivalent to knight + -ly. Cognate with Dutch knechtelijk ("servile"), German knechtlich ("menial").

Full definition of knightly

Adjective

1. Of or pertaining to a knight or knights.
• SpenserFor knightly jousts and fierce encounters fit.
2. Befitting a knight; formally courteous (as a knight); chivalrous, gallant and courtly.knightly combat

Derived terms

• knightliness

Adverb

1. In the manner of a knight; chivalrously.
• 1485, Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book X:‘That is full knyghtly spokyn,’ seyde Sir Trystram ....