themselves
on the ocean and in the field, he divided the order into three
classes: first, all the noblemen that were Knights of the Bath were
henceforth to be called Knights Grand Crosses of the Bath, which
was also the title of the commanders of fleets and armies that were
rewarded by being admitted into the highest class of this noble order.

The second class are called Knights Commanders of the Bath; a great
number of naval and military officers above the rank of captains in
the navy and majors in the army are admitted into this class.

The third class is styled Companions of the Order of the Bath, and is
open to officers of inferior rank.

The Knights Grand Crosses of the Bath attach the initials K.G.C.B. to
their names and titles.

The Knights Commanders use the initials K.C.B.

The Companions are known by the initials C.B.

[Illustration: Label]

LABEL. The noblest of abatements serving as a difference between the
eldest and the junior sons. See DIFFERENCE.

LANGUED. A term derived from the French word _langue_, tongue. It
signifies in Heraldry that the tongue of a bird or beast is of a
different tincture from the body.

LION. The strength, courage, and majestic deportment of this noble
animal, has gained him the regal titles of monarch of the forest and
king of beasts. Ancient heralds selected the figure of the lion as
symbolic of command, strength, power, courage, and other qualities
attributed to that animal. Armorists have introduced lions to denote
the attributes of majesty, might, and clemency, subduing those that
resist, and sparing those that yield to authority. The lion has been
depicted in every attitude which could by any means be construed into
a compliment to the person the sovereign delighted to honour, by
raising him to a rank that enabled him to bear arms. Was it a warrior,
who, though victorious, was still engaged in struggling with the foes
of his sovereign, the lion rampant was considered a proper emblem of
the hero. The warrior having overcome his enemies in the field, yet
retaining his military command for the safety and honour of his
country, was typified by the lion statant gardant. We might easily
find examples to show the propriety of the emblem for all the
positions of the lion introduced as charges in coats of arms; but the
two given will be sufficient: the rest may easily be imagined by the
intelligent reader. The following are the most usual positions in
which the lion app