knights attendant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find quick and accurate solutions for the crossword clue "knights attendant". We provide answers for all possible word lengths, along with clear explanations to help you understand the context and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "knights attendant crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PAGE: A boy in training for knighthood, serving as an attendant to a knight or noble in their household.
6 Letters
SQUIRE: A young nobleman acting as a personal attendant to a knight, typically the second stage of training for knighthood.
More About "knights attendant crossword clue"
The clue "knights attendant" delves into the fascinating world of medieval chivalry and the structured path to becoming a knight. During the Middle Ages, knighthood was not merely bestowed but earned through years of dedicated service and training, which began from a young age.
The first step on this path was typically becoming a page. Boys, often from noble families, would begin their service around the age of seven. They would be sent to the household of another noble or knight, where they learned basic manners, religious instruction, reading, writing, and rudimentary combat skills like handling small swords or riding ponies. Their duties were generally domestic, serving at meals, running errands, and assisting the household in various ways, all while observing their lord's conduct.
Upon reaching their early to mid-teens (around 14), a page would advance to become a squire. This was a much more demanding and military-focused role. A squire would be assigned directly to a knight, becoming his personal attendant and assistant. Duties included maintaining the knight's armor, caring for his horses, carrying his weapons and shield, and accompanying him into battle. Squires trained rigorously in horsemanship, swordsmanship, and jousting, aspiring to prove themselves worthy of being knighted, which was the ultimate goal of their service.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For clues like "knights attendant," immediately think about the historical period or specific setting implied. Words often have different meanings across eras.
- Utilize Letter Count First: Before anything else, check the number of letters required by the crossword grid. This is your most powerful filter and will instantly narrow down potential answers.
- Consider Synonyms and Related Fields: If your initial thought doesn't fit, brainstorm synonyms or terms from the same conceptual area. 'Attendant' can have many synonyms, but combining it with 'knights' makes 'page' and 'squire' highly specific.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use Resources: If you're stuck, a quick search on Answercrossword.com or a dictionary for definitions related to the clue can often spark the right answer.
For more advice and general techniques to conquer any grid, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between a 'page' and a 'squire' in medieval context?
A 'page' was typically a younger boy, often from ages 7-14, who began his training for knighthood by serving in a noble's household, learning basic etiquette, religion, and fundamental skills. A 'squire' was older, usually 14-21, directly serving a knight by assisting with armor, weapons, horses, and accompanying them in battle, representing a more advanced stage of training before knighthood.
Are there other historical terms for someone serving a knight?
While 'page' and 'squire' are the most common and direct terms for those training to be knights and serving them, other general terms for attendants or servants could exist, such as 'valet' (a personal attendant) or, in a broader sense of military service, a 'yeoman' could sometimes be associated, though less directly as a knight's personal attendant in the same way a squire was.
How does knowing the letter count help solve this crossword clue?
The letter count is your best friend! If the puzzle requires a 4-letter word, 'PAGE' is the fitting solution. If it's a 6-letter word, 'SQUIRE' is the correct answer. Always check the number of blank spaces in your crossword grid first, as this crucial detail will immediately narrow down your options and guide you to the precise answer.