ENGLISH HISTORY

english history, §§ v. and vi. a cap of maintenance, i.e. a cap of crimson velvet turned up with ermine, is borne, as one of the insignia of the british sovereign, immediately before him at his coronation or on such state occasions as the opening of parliament. it is carried by the hereditary bearer, the marquess of winchester, upon a white wand. a similar cap is also borne before the lord mayor of london. the origin of this symbol of dignity is obscure. it is stated in the _new english dictionary_ that it was granted by the pope to henry vii. and henry viii. it is probably connected with the "cap of estate" or "dignity," sometimes also styled "cap of maintenance," similar to the royal symbol with two peaks or horns behind, which is borne as a heraldic charge by certain families. it seems originally to have been a privilege of dukes. where it is used the crest is placed upon it, instead of on the usual wreath.