{{stub}}A social position which began in the Middle ages. It is not inherited, but must be won by a great deed. However, only noble men could become knights.
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''For the chess piece, see [[Knight (chess)]]''
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Also, a piece in the [[game]] of [[Chess]].
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A '''knight''' is a social position which began in the [[Middle Ages|Middle Ages]]. It is not inherited, but must be won by a great deed. However, only noble men could become knights. Knights adhered to a code of [[chivalry]] and were usually well armored men of means who could be called upon to fight in wars. Some knights also took part in tournaments.
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Knights use the title ''Sir'' in English-speaking countries and ''Don'' in Spanish-speaking countries.
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In more recent times, a [[Britain|British]] knighthood is one of the highest honours awarded to high achievers from many fields of endeavour including politics (e.g. [[John Major|Sir John Major]]), sport (e.g. [[Ian Botham|Sir Ian Botham]]), science (e.g. [[Isaac Newton|Sir Isaac Newton]] and [[Tim Berners-Lee|Sir Tim Berners-Lee]]) and entertainment (e.g. [[Paul McCartney|Sir Paul McCartney]]).
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==Further reading==
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* Bradford B. Broughton and Megan Broughton Blumbergs, ''Dictionary of Medieval Knighthood and Chivalry: Concepts and Terms'' (1986) [http://www.questia.com/read/14071940?title=Dictionary%20of%20Medieval%20Knighthood%20and%20Chivalry%3a%20Concepts%20and%20Terms online edition]