More practically, the right to wear a gold collar around the neck.

The knight had the right to wear, contrary to existing regulations, golden spurs, or even a gold-plated armor. It was a personal honor for services rendered, which was not hereditary. The honorees were awarded the accolade not necessary for their knighthood, but because of special services. The term should not be confused with the English knight bachelor who is frequently termed Eques Auratus (dative: Equiti Aurato) in Latin monumental inscriptions, especially from the 17th century, denoting the privilege held by him of being allowed to gild his armour. Most Knights were a public official elite of the Holy Roman Empire, which consisted mainly of members of the gentry, but also from members of the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy. (singular) eques auratus, rarer miles auratus (literally 'golden knight' or 'gold decorated knight', in full: eques auratus Sancti Romani Imperii), The Holy Roman Empire's Order of the Golden Spur is often confused with the second highest order of the Roman Catholic Church, the Order of the Golden Spur. The Order of the Golden Spur - Order of the Holy Roman Empire, Knight of the Golden Spur ger.

Holy roman empire knight