ANNUNCIATA, or ANNUNCIATA, an order of knighthood in Savoy, instituted by Amadeus I., in the year 1049. 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 Rhodium tenet. Amadeus VIII. gave the name Annunciata 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.