blue riband
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
blue riband/bluːˈrɪbənd/
▶noun
- 1 (N. Amer. also blue ribbon) a ribbon of blue silk given to the winner of a competition or as a mark of great distinction.
■ a badge worn by members of the Order of the Garter.
- 2 (Blue Riband or Ribbon) a trophy for the ship making the fastest eastward sea crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a regular commercial voyage.
- 1 of the highest quality; first-class.
- 2 (of a jury or committee) carefully or specially selected.
'blue riband' also found in these Oxford entries:
