oriflamme

[ awr-uh-flam, or- ]

noun

1. the red banner of St. Denis, near Paris, carried before the early kings of France as a military ensign.
2. any ensign, banner, or standard, especially one that serves as a rallying point or symbol.

oriflamme

/ ˈɒrɪˌflæm /

noun

1. a scarlet flag, originally of the abbey of St Denis in N France, adopted as the national banner of France in the Middle Ages

Word History and Origins

Origin of oriflamme¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English oriflam, oriflamble, from Middle French, Old French oriflamme, oriflambe, equivalent to orie “golden” (from Latin aurea, feminine of aureus, derivative of aurum “gold”) + flamme; flame

Word History and Origins

Origin of oriflamme¹

C15: via Old French, from Latin aurum gold + flamma flame

Example Sentences

The signal was to be the unfurling of the oriflamme, the sacred banner of France, which had never before been displayed but when battling against infidels.

From Project Gutenberg

When the oriflamme is burning, On the starlit Eden shore.

From Project Gutenberg

"Press where you see my old hat shine, Amid the ranks of war, And be your oriflamme to-day This tile from Omaha."

From Project Gutenberg

I ask no wages, seek no fame: Sew me, for shroud round face and name, God's banner of the oriflamme.

From Project Gutenberg

The Spanish and Portuguese pioneers presently showed signs of lassitude, but the northern nations—even more vigorous and audacious—instantly sprang to the front and carried forward the proud oriflamme of white expansion and world-dominion.

From Project Gutenberg