The term 'confer knighthood on' is a phrase that refers to the act of bestowing a title of knighthood upon someone. This is usually done as an honor or recognition for their service or achievements. The crossword solution for this term is 'DUB, ' which is a ceremony in which a person is knighted. During the ceremony, the person being knighted kneels before the monarch and is tapped on the shoulder with a sword. This is a symbolic gesture that signifies the conferring of knighthood.