carpet knight

English

Etymology

In the sense of a non-military knight: so called because they were created while kneeling on a carpet, not the field.

Noun

carpet knight (plural carpet knights)

(historical) One made a knight during a time of peace and therefore for some reason other than military distinction or service.
(obsolete) A knight who enjoys ease and security, or luxury, and has not known the hardships of the field.
- c. 1601–1602, Shakespeare, William, Twelfth Night, act 3, scene 4:
  He is knight dubbed with unhatched rapier and / on carpet consideration
(dated) One who avoids hard work; a fop; an idler.

Synonyms

(one who avoids hard work): See Thesaurus:dandy or Thesaurus:idler

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