Hinckaert knot
The Hinckaert badge.
Information
Family	Hinckaert family
Region	Netherlands
Notes: Named for Philip Hinckaert, maître d'hôtel to Philip the Handsome in the late 15th century.

The Hinckaert knot, a type of decorative unknot, is a heraldic knot used primarily in Dutch heraldry. It is most notable for its appearance on the Hinckaert family heraldic badge, where a semi-angular form is used as canting arms, a common practice with heraldic badges.

The name "Hinckaert" is delineated as a derivation of hincken, "to limp", in the badge. Hence the center crutch, and the buckle on the knot, implying that it is a strap used to attach the crutch to the leg.^[1] The dexter "P" and sinister "G" are traditionally translated as standing for Philip (Hinckaert), with whom the knot originated, and his wife, née Gasparine.^[1]

A portrait of Philip Hinckaert (kneeling). In the background the wall is diapered in the Hinckaert knot.

References