gonfalonier

[ gon-fuh-luh-neer ]

noun

1. the bearer of a gonfalon.
2. a chief magistrate or some other elected official in any of several medieval Italian republics.

gonfalonier

/ ˌɡɒnfələˈnɪə /

noun

1. the chief magistrate or other official of a medieval Italian republic, esp the bearer of the republic's gonfalon

Word History and Origins

Origin of gonfalonier¹

1580–90; < French < Italian gonfaloniere. See gonfalon, -ier ²

Example Sentences

"Evviva the Church" was the first cry; the second, "Evviva the people of Perugia"; and lastly, "Evviva Messer Imbroglia," a roving adventurer who alternately fought for the Duke of Milan and the Pope, and finally entered Assisi at the head of a large cavalcade as Captain and Gonfalonier of the city.

From Project Gutenberg

Gonfalonier′, one who bears a gonfalon: the chief magistrate in many Italian cities because of his bearing this flag.

From Project Gutenberg

Florence, in particular, towards the close of the middle ages, had presented on a small scale a spectacle analogous to ours; the noble classes had first been succeeded by the burgher classes, and then one day the latter were, in their turn, expelled from the government, and a gonfalonier was seen marching barefoot at the head of the people, and thus leading the Republic.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1293 was created the office of gonfalonier of justice, who carried out the orders of the signiory.

From Project Gutenberg

By the end of the 14th century the gonfalonier was the chief of the signiory.

From Project Gutenberg