BATCHELOR was anciently a denomination given to those who had attained to knighthood, but had not a number of vassals sufficient to have their banner carried before them in the field of battle; or, if they were not of the order of bannerets, were not of age to display their own banner, but obliged to march to battle under another's banner. It was also a title given to young cavaliers, who having made their first campaign, received the military girdle accordingly. And it served to denominate him who had overcome another in a tournament, the first time he ever engaged.