Ritterkreuz
/ˈrɪtəkrɔɪts/Now historical
noun
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, a German decoration instituted by Hitler and awarded for distinguished service in war.
- The decoration was last awarded in 1945..
Origin
1940s; earliest use found in This Week Magazine. From German Ritterkreuz, a grade of the Iron Cross from Ritter knight + Kreuz.