The New International Encyclopædia/Saint Patrick, Most Illustrious Order of

SAINT PAT′RICK, Most Illustrious Order of. An Irish order of merit founded by George III. in 1783 and consisting of the sovereign, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who is grand master, and 22 knights companions of noble rank, in addition to a number of princes of the blood. The badge is a white oval shield showing the cross of Saint Patrick with a shamrock and three golden crowns. The motto is Quis Separabit. The ribbon is blue.