guidon

American  

[gahyd-n] / ˈgaɪd n /

noun

Military.

1. a small flag or streamer carried as a guide, for marking or signaling, or for identification.

2. the soldier carrying it.

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guidon British  

/ ˈɡaɪdən /

noun

1. a small pennant, used as a marker or standard, esp by cavalry regiments

2. the man or vehicle that carries this

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Etymology

Origin of guidon

1540–50; < Middle French < Italian guidone, equivalent to guid ( are ) to guide + -one noun suffix

Example Sentences

Cavalry flag -- known as a "guidon" for its swallow-tailed shape -- had been the property of the Detroit Institute of Arts, which paid just $54 for it.

From Salon • Dec. 10, 2010

Dating to an era when the museum took in a variety of natural history and historical items, the guidon was sold because it did not fit with the museum's focus on art, Beal said.

From Salon • Dec. 10, 2010

A second 7th Cavalry guidon was recovered in September 1876, at the Battle of Slim Buttes near present-day Reva, S.D.

From Salon • Dec. 10, 2010

On the parade ground at Fort Devens, Mass., a proud red and white guidon, unique in the Army, changed hands to keep a tradition flying.

From Time Magazine Archive

With nothing but a bag over my shoulder, a map and directions written on the back of the guidon in my left hand, and a tiny flashlight in my right hand, I was gone.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore