Knightlier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A person who exhibits the qualities or characteristics of chivalry and honor, often linked to noble lineage or martial prowess
2. An individual displaying gallantry, courtesy, and a strong moral compass, often seen as a champion of justice
3. Someone embodying the ideals of knighthood, characterized by bravery, loyalty, and readiness to protect the weak and uphold values of honor

Etymology: "Knightlier" is the comparative of "knightly," meaning more gallant or chivalrous. "Knightly" is built from "knight" plus the suffix "-ly," and the comparative adds "-ier." The base word has a surprising past: in Old English, "cniht" meant a boy or servant, and it only narrowed to a mounted warrior of noble rank in the Middle English period, as armoured cavalry and chivalric codes took hold. The moral sense in the definition comes from that later chivalric ideal, not from the older meaning.