Knight
A Dictionary of Law · Henry Campbell Black · 1891
A Dictionary of Law
In English law
The next personal dignity after the nobility. Of knights there are several orders and degrees. The first in rank are knights of the Garter, instituted by Richard L and improved by Edward III. in 13844; next follows a knight banneret; then come knights of the Bath, instituted by Ilenry LV., and revived by Georga I.; and they were so called from a ceremony of bathing the night before their creation. The last order are Knights bachelors, who, though the lowest, are yet the most ancient, order of knighthood; for we find that King Alfred conferred this order upon his son Athelstan. 1 Bl. Comm. 403. jurisdiction and cognizance of offenses commifted within the household and verge, and of all contracts made therein, a member of the household being one of the parties.
Wharton.