The term 'BESTOW KNIGHTHOOD ON' can be summarized by the word 'DUB, ' which is a three-letter verb meaning to confer knighthood on someone. This is an ancient ceremony that has been practiced since the Middle Ages, when a knight was given a sword and tapped on the shoulder with it by a monarch or other person of high rank. The act of dubbing symbolized the knight's acceptance into the order of chivalry.