Knight

In Medieval times, a knight was a mounted warrior in the service of a Lord. The word 'knight' is derived from the German word 'knecht', which means 'servant'.

In later periods, being made a knight was a great honour. A knight's behaviour, both in battle and normal life, was guided by a code of conduct.

In classical chivalry, the knight was accompanied by a squire, a page and a man-at-arms, the whole then being known as a 'lance. From this comes the phrase free-lance, meaning a lance which was not in fealty to a superior lord.

A knight was, in general, in command only of his own lance, and took orders from a marshall. A number of knights were reckoned to be sufficiently experienced to command other knights: they did so as the marshall's delegate. If a knight rose sufficiently to be viewed as capable of being given a command of his own, it was customary then to make him a knight-banneret -- he was then allowed his own small banner, with his arms upon it, to fly before his sub-division of the army.

In some countries knighthood also indicated that one was of noble birth. In other countries (such as England), the title was not hereditary.

See Also:

• Chivalric Orders
• Chivalry
• Master at Arms

Knights in the SCA

The SCA has a peerage order that is the Order of Chivalry. Only members of this order are considered knights. SCA knights can be male or female but must swear fealty to the Crown. If a member is invited to become a member of the order but won't swear fealty, then they are considered a Master or Mistress at Arms not a knight.

Various alternate titles may be used for knights in the Society.