EAGLE. A military standard, adopted by the Humans, and even by nations preceding them in history. The Persians. in the time of Cyrus the Younger, bore an eagle on it spear as a standard. The ltomans for some time used the eagle, the wolf, the boar. the horse, and the minotaur for standards, but afterwards abandoned the la.t four and confined themselves to the eagle. The Roman eagle. sometimes of gold, but more fre quently of silver, was about as large as a pigeon with extended wings, and was borne on the top of a spear. with a cross-bar or a shield to sup port it. Some of the eagles were represented ac holding thunderbolts in their talons. and usually bore the name of the legion to which they sever ally belonged.
EAGLE, 134..s.cK. .111 order of chivalry in Prussia. It was founded by the Elector of Brandenburg. January 13. 170I—the day of his eoronation as King of Prussia. The number of knights, in addition to the royal family, was originally thirty, but it is now unlimited. The
Order is conferred for distinguished merit in the military or civil service of the State. and car ries with it a patent of nobility. The insignia consist of a cross of blue enamel, and a black eagle displayed between the arms of the cross. On a circular plaque in the centre is the royal cipher EP,. with a laurel branch below and the words ,`mum elliqu• ("To each his own'•1. The cross is suspended by a broad ribbon of orange color hung across the left shoulder. and with it is worn an embroidered silver star fas tened on the left breast. The centre of the star show: a black flying eagle with a laurel wreath and thunderbolt, and the same legend as the cross. Only reigning prince, and Knights of Saint John may wear any (-flier order with the eagle. which is the highest decoration in Prussia.