''For the chess piece, see [[Knight (chess)]]''
A '''knight''' is a social position which began in the [[Middle Ages|Middle agesAges]]. 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.
Knights use the title ''Sir''in English-speaking countries and ''Don'' in Spanish-speaking countries.
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 (eg e.g. [[John Major|Sir John Major]]), sport (eg e.g. [[Ian Botham|Sir Ian Botham]]), science (eg e.g. [[Isaac Newton|Sir Isaac Newton]] and [[Tim Berners-Lee|Sir Tim Berners-Lee]]) and entertainment (eg e.g. [[Paul McCartney|Sir Paul McCartney]]).
==See AlsoFurther reading==* Bradford B. Broughton and Megan Broughton Blumbergs, ''Dictionary of Medieval Knighthood and Chivalry: Concepts and Terms'' (1986) [[Knights Templar]http://www.questia.com/read/14071940?title=Dictionary%20of%20Medieval%20Knighthood%20and%20Chivalry%3a%20Concepts%20and%20Terms online edition]
==See also==*[[Knights of St. John]]*[[Knights Templar]] [[Category:Medieval History]]