The word “Knight” in any European language is the same. In French, “chevalier.” In German, “ritter” or “knecht.” In Italian, “cavalieri.” In Spanish, “cabaliero.” Translated into literal English means “man on horseback.”

It is hard to comprehend that Knight simply means man on horseback. It does not give us the true meaning of Knight.

However, when we use the Anglo-Saxon word for Knight, written as “cniht” it has now given us the true and noble meaning of Knight, as cniht means “man-servant.” Thus, a Knight adheres to the tenets of service to society and service to humanity. This is the penultimate altruism of service-above-self. That is the true meaning of Knighthood from olden times to now.


WHAT IS A KNIGHT?

A Knight is a man or woman who commits himself or herself to the service of a noble and unselfish cause, to a pure and divine ideal, to fight evil, promoting good, helping the widows, orphans, the infirm and the poor, and defending the weak and underprivileged against injustice.

Being a Knight is not only to receive honors bestowed and granted, though well-deserving, it means a solemn commitment and vow to the dictates of knighthood and chivalry as a man-servant.