[brityank]

... vestigial remnant of an actual piece of equipment adorning an enforced attempt to limit foppish competition between court executives ...

Actually, you're correct, as I was told it is a throw-back to the bib that the gluttons wore at the table.

(Most of my ties did have sundry spots on them!)

[petro45acp]

“... Actually, you’re correct, as I was told it is a throw-back to the bib that the gluttons wore at the table.”

Heard that one also. Possibly prior to that, the cravat was a scarf/bandana affair, useful as those are.

Cheers