Knighthood

n.capable, joyfulformal

What it means

The rank, status, or honor conferred on a knight.

Reach for it when naming the formal title or institution in its relevant historical or national system

He accepted the knighthood as recognition of the orchestra's public service.

everyday
honor
recognition rather than rank is the relevant point
not when Honor is generic; the title and institution disappear.
warm
royal honor
the granting authority and positive recognition are central
not when Not every knighthood is royal, and not every royal honor is knighthood.
professional
title
the formal designation itself matters
not when Title can be hereditary, occupational, or academic.
formal
accolade
distinguished achievement receives public recognition
not when Accolade is figurative and grants no legal or ceremonial status.
formal
distinction
recognized excellence sets the recipient apart
not when Distinction can arise from reputation without any award.
literary
chivalric rank
historical hierarchy and knightly office need precise description
not when The phrase explains the institution but sounds technical in a personal tribute.

receive a knighthood
The conductor received a knighthood for services to music.
award of knighthood
The award of knighthood recognized work across four decades.
honorary knighthood
An honorary knighthood acknowledged her international humanitarian work.

Knighthood differs across countries and orders; the legal status of an honorary award may differ from a substantive one.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.