The Order of the Pelican is one of the four SCA Bestowed Peerages, along with the Order of Chivalry, the Order of the Laurel, and the Order of Defense.
Companions of the Order of the Pelican (or ‘Pelicans’) have been recognized by the Crown for their exemplary service to the Kingdom and/or the Society, along with their consistent display of the virtues of Grace, Courtesy and Chivalric Demeanor. Their elevation is accompanied by a Patent of Arms (the highest level of arms).
http://wiki.eastkingdom.org/index.php?title=Order_of_the_Pelican