( the Most Honourable Order of the Bath )
one of the British orders of chivalry . People who are appointed to this order receive one of three ranks within it: Knight Grand Cross (or Dame Grand Cross for a woman), Knight Commander (or Dame Commander ) or Companion. The full name of the order is the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. It may have been started as early as 1399, but it later disappeared and was started again in 1725. Originally, people receiving the order washed in a bath as part of the ceremony.
➡ note at aristocracy , honours .