denomination given to gown-men and others of peaceable professions, who, on account of their birth, office, or merits in regard to the public, or the like, have been raised by the prince to the dignity of knighthood. They take the appellation of carpet, because they usually receive their honours from the king's hands in the court, kneeling on a carpet; and by this they are distinguished from knights created in the camp, or field of battle, on account of their military prowess.