Wanted a knighthood indeed (7)
I believe the answer is:
desired
'wanted' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for desired that I've seen before include "Lusted-after" , "Wanted strongly" , "Craved" , "Wanted greatly" , "much wished for" .)