[f. CARPET sb. 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.
1576. Whetstone, Rocke of Regard, 55. He consults wt carpet knights, about curious masks & other delightful shewes.
1580. H. Gifford, Gilloflowers (1875), 85. Yee curious Carpet knights that spend the time in sport & play.
1580. Baret, Alv., B 956. Those which serue abhominable and filthy idlenesse, and as we vse to call them carpet knightes.
1611. Cotgr., s.v. Couchette, Mignon de couchette, a Carpet-Knight, one that euer loues to be in womens chambers.
1621. Burton, 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.
1719. D’Urfey, Pills (1872), IV. 276. Brave Carpet Knights in Cupid’s Fights.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., V. xiv. I … hold your valour light As that of some vain carpet-knight.
1860. A. L. Windsor, Ethica, vi. 297. Their authors had been no carpet-knights, but had lived and acted the lives of their heroes.
