knightly

== English == === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈnaɪtli/ Rhymes: -aɪtli Homophone: nightly === Etymology 1 === From Middle English knyghtly, knightlich; equivalent to knight +‎ -ly (adjectival suffix). Cognate with Old English cnihtlīċ (“boyish”), Dutch knechtelijk (“servile”), German knechtlich (“menial”). ==== Adjective ==== knightly (comparative knightlier, superlative knightliest) Of or pertaining to a knight or knights. Befitting a knight; formally courteous (as a knight); chivalrous, gallant and courtly. ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === From Middle English knyghtly; equivalent to knight +‎ -ly (adverbial suffix). ==== Adverb ==== knightly (comparative knightlier, superlative knightliest) In the manner of a knight; chivalrously. 1822, Lord Byron, Werner, act IV, scene i: Who backs a horse, or bears a hawk, or wearsA sword like him! Whose plume nods knightlier? === References === James A. H. Murray et al., editors (1884–1928), “Knightly, adv.”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volume V (H–K), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC, page 734.