(Vol. ix., p. 126.)
I may refer MR. B. H. ALFORD to the Oxford _Manual of Monumental Brasses_,
p. 56., for an answer to his Query:
"Knights have no peculiar devices besides their arms, unless we are to
consider the lions and dogs beneath their feet as emblematical of the
virtues of courage, generosity, and fidelity, indispensable to their
profession. One or two dogs are often at the feet of the lady. They are
probably intended for some favourite animal, as the name is
occasionally inscribed," &c.
Neither dog nor lion occurs at the feet of the following knights
represented on brasses prior to 1460:
"c. 1450. Sir John Peryent, Jun., Digswell, Herts. (engd. Boutell.)