Oriflamme

2 definitions 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.


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

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  oriflamme
       n 1: an inspiring symbol or ideal that serves as a rallying point
            in a struggle
       2: a red or orange-red flag used as a standard by early French
          kings