An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 585. Rial. Queen Elizabeth.

Rial or Royal (Sp. real). A Spanish coin introduced into England in 16th cent. (See Real.)

Riband or Ribbon (Welsh rhibin; Irish ruibin, &c.). A long narrow web of silk worn for ornament or use; especially for a badge of devotion in love or war.

“See in the lists they wait the trumpet’s sound:

Some love-device is wrought on every sword,

And every ribbon bears some mystic word.”

(Granville.)

The Ribbons of the various orders of Knighthood are:—of the Garter, a broad dark blue ribbon passing over the left shoulder; of the Thistle, a broad dark green ribbon; of St. Patrick, a light blue; of the Bath, red; of the Star of India, pale blue with white borders.

Ribbon, Riband, Her. A diminutive of a Bend.