GARTER

A string or ribbon by which the stocking is held upon the leg. The mark of the highest order of English knighthood, ranking next after the nobility. This military order of knighthood is said to have been first instituted by Richard I., at the siege of Acre, where he caused twenty six knights who firmly stood by him to wear thongs of blue leather about their legs. It is also said to have been perfected by Edward III. and to have received some alterations, which were afterwards laid aside, from Edward VI. The badge of the order is the image of St George, called the “George,” and the motto is “Honi aoit qui mal y pense.” Wharton.