Livery

Livery is an old name for the caps or fur coats, in France the banner lords and knights presented earlier, the king of the great annual celebrations.

Later it became a name for the clothing of a uniform similar to the servants. This was held in special colors, which was directed at some noble houses on the crest colors, others according to the personal taste of the householder. The respective livery was also referred to as Hoffarbe. Originally had to princes who were vassals of another, wearing the livery of their Lord, if they had appeared at his court or on the road on his behalf.

The livery - fashion in Europe was long ruled by the French court at Versailles. In general, the staff received additional liveries for festive occasions, which differed from the everyday uniform and specific for the morning (Lever ). A detailed description of the standard in England in the 18th century livery are the Oeconomische Encyclopedia of Johann Georg Krünitz:

" Usually it is monochromatic, but not occupied with braids. In addition, there is also a dark color, which resents rain or dirt, because the servant must always ride on the road. The skirts are made ​​as tunics, with very short tails, this round hats with a lace [ ... ] or with gold and silver cords and Quästchen. For good livery they look great Spanish tube and hair bag. To zweyten livery they wear braids. The third livery of the morning is a powder paint [ ... ] coachman from his horse wear short very tight waistcoat [ ... ] yellow trousers and tight boots with brown put on [ ... ] to plattirte spores. Grooms have round hats, coachman but [ ... ] hunting caps with cords and Quästchen. The colors are usually very bright that they may be seen from a distance. "

The servants, who wore a livery, also livery servants were called in contrast to the valets who wore no. Another term for this servant was lackeys.

Usually, the livery was made available on the service, Lord, so tailored to his cost that should then hold for two years, before there was a new outfit. The old uniforms could be kept by the officials.