Oriflamb

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Oriflamb \Or"i*flamb\, Oriflamme \Or"i*flamme\, n. [F.
     oriflamme, OF. oriflambe, LL. auriflamma; L. aurum gold +
     flamma flame; cf. L. flammula a little banner. So called
     because it was a flag of red silk, split into many points,
     and borne on a gilded lance.]
     1. The ancient royal standard of France.


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     2. A standard or ensign, in battle. "A handkerchief like an
        oriflamb." --Longfellow.
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              And be your oriflamme to-day the helmet of Navarre.
                                                    --Macaulay.
        [1913 Webster] Origan