ge partner. During medieval times the term knight referred to a mounted warrior of secondary rank. This new class was formed to provide a means of advancement for men who were not born into a noble family and was probably developed with the barbarian tribes of northern Europe. The term knight was derived from the old English cinht, meaning youth. Most knights began their training as young boys at the age of about seven under the service of an overlord. At the age of fifteen or sixteen they were raised in rank to a squire and began training in knighthood. They learned the use of arms and horsemanship. They also engaged in endless physical activities such as swimming and wrestling. When and if their overlord considered them worthy, the knights would receive their accolade, which usually consisted of a tap on the shoulder with a sword. This ceremony proclaimed them a knight, and they usually would gain the title of sir. As feudalism developed, the rank of a knight became a land holding rank. In return for land, the knights were expected to serve in the military for their overlord. The principal weapons used by knights were the lance and sword. Because knights battled against each other, they needed to have sturdy outfits for protection. For years, knights wore some type of body armor, in the early days it was just quilted leather or cloth. Later, knights began to wear mail, a mesh made of metal, and it soon became commonplace. With this suit of armor the knight usually carried a shield, which also served as a stretcher to carry them off the field if they were wounded in battle. Later, in the fourteenth century armor with deflecting surfaces became necessary to protect against the crossbow. Metal plates were fastened to the mail uniforms over the chest and back, shoulders, and the outside of the arms and legs. Since armor usually hid the faces of knights it was necessary to engrave them with identifying insignia to prevent them from battlin...
