oriflamb

Noun

oriflamme (plural oriflammes)

1. (historical) The red silk banner of St Denis, which the abbot of St Denis gave to French kings as they rode to war in the Middle Ages.
   • The white banner with the golden lilies of France has been unfurled. The oriflamme has been presented to the virginal bride who stands before the altar in the forest chapel.1988, Robert Irwin, The Mysteries of Algiers, Dedalus, published 1993, page 58
2. (figuratively) Any banner, idea or principle which serves as a rallying point for those involved in a struggle.
   • And be your oriflamme to-day the helmet of Navarre.1824, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Ivry
3. (literary) Something resembling the banner of St Denis; a bright, shining object.
   • This is that famed Martial law, with its Red Flag, its 'Drapeau Rouge:' in virtue of which Mayor Bailly, or any Mayor, has but henceforth to hang out that new Oriflamme of his; then to read or mumble something about the King's peace; and, after certain pauses, serve any undispersing Assemblage with...1837, Thomas Carlyle, The French Revolution: A History […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: Chapman and Hall, →OCLC, (please specify the book or page number)