Military KNIGHTHOOD, is that of the ancient knights, who acquired it by high feats of arms. They are called milites, in ancient charters and titles, by which they were distinguished from mere bachelors, &c. These knights were girt with a sword, and wore a pair of gilt spurs; whence they were called equites aurati.
Knighthood is not hereditary, but acquired. It does not come into the world with a man like nobility; nor can it be revoked. The sons of kings, and kings themselves, with all other sovereigns, heretofore had knighthood conferred on them as a mark of honour. They were usually knighted at their baptism or marriage, at their coronation, before or after a battle, &c.