E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Monteer Cap.
So called from monteros d’Espinoza (mountaineers), who once formed the interior guard of the palace of the Spanish king. The way they came to be appointed is thus accounted for:—Sanchica, wife of Don Sancho Garcia, Count of Castile, entered into a plot to poison her husband, but one of the mountaineers of Espinoza revealed the plot and saved the count’s life. Ever after the sovereigns of Castile recruited their body-guards from men of this estate.
