Knight vs. Samurai: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on July 22, 2024
Knight refers to a European warrior of medieval times, bound by chivalry, while Samurai denotes a Japanese warrior class known for bushido code adherence.
Difference Between Knight and Samurai
Knights were medieval warriors in Europe, often serving feudal lords in return for land or title. On the other hand, Samurai were members of the military nobility in feudal Japan, serving under daimyos for similar rewards.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
Knights were armored, typically in full plate armor for battle. In contrast, Samurai wore lighter, more flexible armor made from metal plates and silk bindings to allow quick movements.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
The code of chivalry guided Knights, emphasizing virtues like honor, loyalty, and protecting the helpless. Whereas Samurai followed Bushido, the way of the warrior, which stressed similar values but also included aspects like self-discipline and the acceptance of death.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
Knights often fought on horseback using lances, swords, and shields. Conversely, Samurai mastered many weapons, including the katana, bow, and spear, and were also skilled horsemen.
Nolan
Jul 22, 2024
The influence of Knights waned with the rise of professional armies in the 16th century. Meanwhile, Samurai maintained significant roles in Japan until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century phased out their social class.
Leo
Jul 22, 2024
Knight vs. Samurai Comparison Chart
Historical Peak
Medieval Period (5th to 15th century)
Feudal Period (12th to 19th century)
William
Jul 22, 2024
Knight vs. Samurai Definitions
◉Knight
Someone who champions a cause.
He was a knight in shining armor for the environmental movement.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Samurai
A member of a powerful military caste in feudal Japan, especially a member of the class of military retainers of the daimyos.
The samurai served his lord with utmost loyalty and discipline.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
A man granted an honorary title of knighthood by a monarch or other political leader for service to the country or humanity.
Sir Lancelot was a legendary knight known for his valor.
Elijah
Apr 29, 2024
◉Samurai
A warrior of great skill and discipline.
He approached every challenge with the focus of a samurai.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
A member of any order or association styled after knighthood.
The Knights of Columbus is a large Catholic fraternal service organization.
Leo
Apr 29, 2024
◉Samurai
In modern contexts, someone who displays great courage and honor.
The firefighter was hailed as a samurai after saving three children from the burning building.
William
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
A medieval tenant giving military service as a mounted man-at-arms to a feudal landholder.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Samurai
A figure of great respect or legendary status in certain cultures, similar to a knight.
In popular culture, the samurai is often portrayed as a noble hero.
Nolan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
A medieval gentleman-soldier, usually high-born, raised by a sovereign to privileged military status after training as a page and squire.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Samurai
Historically, a member of the Japanese warrior class who was adept in martial arts.
The samurai was trained to use both the katana and the bow with precision.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
A man holding a nonhereditary title conferred by a sovereign in recognition of personal merit or service to the country.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Samurai
In the former feudal system of Japan, the class or a member of the class, of military retainers of the daimios, constituting the gentry or lesser nobility. They possessed power of life and death over the commoners, and wore two swords as their distinguishing mark. Their special rights and privileges were abolished with the fall of feudalism in 1871. They were referred to as "a cross between a knight and a gentleman".
Jonathan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
Abbr. Kt or N(Games) A chess piece, usually in the shape of a horse's head, that can be moved two squares along a rank and one along a file or two squares along a file and one along a rank. The knight is the only piece that can jump other pieces to land on an open square.
Jonathan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
(historical) A young servant or follower; a trained military attendant in service of a lord.
Nolan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
(historical) A minor nobleman with an honourable military rank who had served as a page and squire.
Leo
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
(by extension) An armored and mounted warrior of the Middle Ages.
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Leo
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
A person obliged to provide knight service in exchange for maintenance of an estate held in knight's fee.
Kaitlyn
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
(modern) A person on whom a knighthood has been conferred by a monarch.
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Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
(literary) A brave, chivalrous and honorable man devoted to a noble cause or love interest.
Lucas
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
(chess) A chess piece, often in the shape of a horse's head, that is moved two squares in one direction and one at right angles to that direction in a single move, leaping over any intervening pieces.
Elijah
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
In feudal times, a man-at-arms serving on horseback and admitted to a certain military rank with special ceremonies, including an oath to protect the distressed, maintain the right, and live a stainless life.
Knights, by their oaths, should right poor ladies' harms.
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Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
To dub or create (one) a knight; - done in England by the sovereign only, who taps the kneeling candidate with a sword, saying: Rise, Sir --.
A soldier, by the honor-giving handOf CŒur-de-Lion knighted in the field.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
Originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit
Nolan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
A chessman in the shape of a horse's head; can move two squares horizontally and one vertically (or vice versa)
Jonathan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
In chess, a piece, typically shaped like a horse’s head, that moves in an L-shape.
She moved her knight to capture his bishop.
Elijah
Apr 29, 2024
◉Knight
In historical contexts, a heavily armored cavalryman.
The knights charged into battle with their lances poised.
William
Apr 29, 2024
Knight vs. Samurai Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main role of a Knight?
Knights served as heavily armored cavalry in medieval European armies.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
How did the weapons of a Knight compare to those of a Samurai?
Knights typically used lances, swords, and shields, while Samurai were proficient with katanas, bows, and spears.
William
Jul 22, 2024
What era in Japan is most associated with the Samurai?
The Samurai are most associated with the Feudal Period in Japan.
Leo
Jul 22, 2024
Could women be Knights or Samurai?
While rare, there were women who took on similar roles, known as "Dame" in Europe and "Onna-bugeisha" in Japan.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
How did the armor of Knights and Samurai differ?
Knights wore heavy plate armor, while Samurai armor was lighter and made for flexibility.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
What historical period is most associated with Knights?
Knights are most associated with the Medieval Period in Europe.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
What caused the decline of Knights?
The rise of professional standing armies and advanced military technology led to the decline of Knights.
Olivia
Jul 22, 2024
What principles did Samurai live by?
Samurai adhered to Bushido, which emphasized honor, discipline, and loyalty.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
How did the role of Samurai end?
The abolition of the Samurai class during the Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked their end.
Kaitlyn
Jul 22, 2024
Were Knights and Samurai only warriors?
No, both Knights and Samurai also held land and power, and were involved in administrative duties.
Leo
Jul 22, 2024
How were Knights and Samurai trained?
Both were trained from a young age in combat skills, strategy, and the codes of their respective societies.
Henry
Jul 22, 2024
How have Knights and Samurai influenced popular culture?
Both have been idealized and romanticized in numerous films, books, and television series, often depicted as noble and heroic figures.
Kaitlyn
Jul 22, 2024
What modern symbols stem from Knights and Samurai?
The concept of chivalry and the romanticism of the samurai code still influence modern literature and film.
Jonathan
Jul 22, 2024
Did Knights or Samurai follow a religious code?
Knights often followed Christian ideals, whereas Samurai were influenced by Shinto and Buddhist philosophies.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
What is a common misconception about Knights and Samurai?
A common misconception is that both were only warriors; they were also landowners and influential societal figures.
Muazma Batool
Jul 22, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
