Definition:
With the development of stirrups, a mounted warrior armed with a lance, sword, and shield became the dominant force on the battlefield. Known as a knight, these warriors often wore full body armor for protection. A key component of armies through the Middle Ages, knights were often beholden to a lord or king through the feudal system that dominated Europe at the time. Also, a knight's conduct and behavior was largely dictated by a code of chivalry.
