oriflamme Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Or"i*flamb, Or"i*flamme noun (Also<
  • Oriflamb
  • Oriflamme
)
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. The ancient royal standard of France.
  2. A standard or ensign, in battle. "A handkerchief like an oriflamb." Longfellow.
    And be your oriflamme to-day the helmet of Navarre. Macaulay.

Webster 1913