Also † true-love’s knot (obs.). A kind of knot, of a complicated and ornamental form (usually either a double-looped bow, or a knot formed of two loops intertwined), used as a symbol of true love; a figure of this. Also fig. or allusively.
α. 1495. Will J. Rogers (Somerset Ho.). Treue loue knottes.
1591. Shaks., Two Gent., II. vii. 46. Ile knit it vp in silken strings, With twentie od-conceited true-loue knots.
1643. Wither, Campo Musæ, 74. A Peace, that by a true-love-knot, shall knit Three Nations … into One.
1877. W. Jones, Finger-ring, 414. True-love knots were common [on rings].
β. 1530. Palsgr., 283/1. Treweloves knotte, neu damours.
1583. Stubbes, Anat. Abus., I. (1877), 74. Sleeues … tyed with true-loues knottes (for so they call them).
1662. Hibbert, Body Div., II. 145. The Lords brother, tyed unto him with a true-loves-knot.
1664. Butler, Hud., II. i. 566. I’ll carve your name on Barks of Trees, With True-loves knots, and Flourishes.
γ. 1615. Brathwait (title), Loves Labyrinth: or The true-Louers knot.
1679. Logan, Treat. Hon., II. 177. Or, on a Cheveron, Gules, a true Lovers Knot of the first.
1865. Dickens, Mut. Fr., I. x. Splendid cake, covered with Cupids, silver, and true-lover’s knots.
1906. Lady, 12 July, 82/1. Pretty but simple hair ornaments are true-lovers’ knots of sequined gauze, very stiffly wired.
