What do we call the ceremony where a knight is made a knight?

The story behind the answer

In medieval usage, to “dub” someone was to gird him with a sword and declare his new status. The rite often included the light sword taps on the shoulders (the accolade), bestowal of spurs and belt, and an oath of chivalry. By contrast, investiture referred to receiving office or a fief, and “knighting” is just the generic act, not the formal name of the rite.

The term comes from Old French adouber, “to equip/arm.” In high-medieval ceremonies, candidates might take a ritual bath, keep a night-long vigil of arms, and present themselves at dawn for the rite. Though details varied across regions, the core symbolism—elevating a trained warrior into a Christian knight bound to honor, loyalty, and service—remained consistent.