Blue Ribbon

Blue Ribbon, a term applied to any great prize—as the 'Derby' stakes—from the blue ribbon worn by knights of the Garter.—Blue Ribbon Army was the name adopted, from the badge, by the association of total abstainers since 1883 calling themselves simply the Gospel Temperance Union. The organisation was introduced in 1878 from America, where it was known as the 'Murphy Movement' (from its founder), and in three years enrolled in its ranks 3,000,000 of members. It extends over the United Kingdom and the colonies.