Stock

A stiffened neckcloth wrapped around the neck and fastened with a buckle or tie at the back. The stock was fashionable from about 1735, taking over from the cravat, until the 1840s, though it was occasionally worn later in the century. It continued in use with the riding habit of both men and women until well into the twentieth century. The stock was most often white but could be black or, rarely, colored. In the eighteenth century a solitaire was fashionable, worn on top of the stock; this was a black ribbon tied around the neck to finish in a bow at the throat or with the ends tucked into the shirt front. Most commonly the solitaire accompanied the wearing of a bag wig. (Encyclopedia Of World Costume, Stock)