the ancient mythology, was the skin or fleece of the ram upon which Phryxus and Hella are supposed to have swum across the sea to Colchis, and which being sacrificed to Jupiter, was hung upon a tree in the grove of Mars, guarded by two brazen-hoofed bulls, and a monstrous dragon that never slept. The fleece was taken and carried off by Jason and the Argonauts.

Many authors have endeavoured to show that this fable is an allegorical representation of some real history, particularly of the philosopher's stone; whilst others have explained it by the profit of the wool trade to Colchis, or the gold which they commonly gathered there with fleeces in the rivers.

Order of the Golden Fleece is a military order instituted by Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy, in 1429. It took its denomination from a representation of the golden fleece, borne by the knights on their collars, which consisted of flints and steels.