ANNUNTIADA, OR ANNUNTIA-

TA, an order of knighthood in Savoy, first instituted by Amadeus I. in the year 1499: their collar was of 15 links, interwoven one with another, in form of a true-lover's knot; and the motto, F. E. R. T., signifying, Fortitudo ejus Rhodum tenuit. Amadeus VIII. gave the name Annunciada to this order, which was formerly known by that of the knot of love; changing at the same time the image of St Maurice patron of Savoy, which hung at the collar, for that of the Virgin Mary; and, instead of the motto above-mentioned, substituting the words of the angel's salutation.

Annunciada is also the title of several religious orders, instituted at different times, and at different places, in honour of the annunciation. See the next article.