| 释义 |
ˈcarpet-ˈknight
[f. carpet n. 2 b + knight.]
Originally, perhaps = knight of the carpet (see carpet 2 c); but, usually, a contemptuous term for a knight whose achievements belong to ‘the carpet’ (i.e. the lady's boudoir, or carpeted chamber) instead of to the field of battle; a stay-at-home soldier. In modern use with less reference to the lady's boudoir, and more to the drawing-room with its avoidance of practical work.
1576Whetstone Rock of Regard 55 He consults with carpet knights about curious masks. 1580H. Gifford Gilloflowers (1875) 85 Yee curious Carpet knights that spend the time in sport & play. 1580Baret Alv. B 956 Those which serue abhominable and filthy idlenesse, and as we vse to call them carpet knightes. 1611Cotgr. s.v. Couchette, Mignon de couchette, a Carpet-Knight, one that euer loues to be in womens chambers. 1621Burton Anat. Mel. i. ii. ii. ii. (1651) 75 As much valor is to be found in feasting, as in fighting, and some of our City Captains and Carpet Knights will make this good. 1719D'Urfey Pills (1872) IV. 276 Brave Carpet Knights in Cupid's fights. 1810Scott Lady of L. v. xiv, I..hold your valour light As that of some vain carpet-knight. 1860A. L. Windsor Ethica vi. 297 Their authors had been no carpet-knights, but had lived and acted the lives of their heroes. |