oriflamme

Meaning

Noun

• The red silk banner of St Denis, which the abbot of St Denis gave to French kings as they rode to war.
• Any banner, idea or principle which serves as a rallying point for those involved in a struggle.
• Something resembling the banner of St Denis; a bright, shining object.

Origin

• From Old French oriflambe, oriflamme, from Medieval Latin auriflamma, from Latin aurum + flamma.