Leatherneck

Beginning in 1798 "one stock of black leather and clasp" was issued to each United States Marine every year.

[4] General George F. Elliott, recalling its use after the American Civil War, said the "effect of the stock when buckled around a man's neck was to hold his head high in the air, like geese looking for rain".

[8] The stock collar was worn originally to protect the neck from sword cuts,[9] such as cutlass slashes while boarding ships,[10] and to maintain an erect posture.

The American Marine Corps nickname "leatherneck" is generally attributed to the wearing of the leather stock.

The use of the term "Bootneck" for British Royal Marines had a similar cause, and also on the alleged habit of cutting a strip of leather from the top of a boot to provide additional protection for the neck, although it is unclear if this was ever common practice.