oriflamme
noun
ori·flamme ˈȯr-ə-ˌflam 
ˈär-
: a banner, symbol, or ideal inspiring devotion or courage
Did you know?
The original oriflamme was the banner of Saint Denis, a patron saint of France who is said to have been the first bishop of Paris. Middle English speakers referred to this red or reddish orange banner using the Middle French term oriflamble, from Old French ori flambe, meaning "small flag." From the 12th to the 15th centuries, French kings carried the banner into battle as a way of inspiring their troops. This tactic met with such success that, by 1600, English speakers were using "oriflamme" to refer to any group's rallying symbol.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web For full thirty years Miss Anthony’s red shawl has been the oriflamme of suffrage battle. 
Kimberly Chrisman-campbell, The Atlantic, 12 June 2019
Kimberly Chrisman-campbell, The Atlantic, 12 June 2019 Word History
Etymology
Middle English oriflamble, the banner of St. Denis, from Middle French, from Old French ori flambe, small flag
First Known Use
1600, in the meaning defined above
- division viol
- division wall
- divisional
- divisional title
- divisionary
- divisionism
- divisionisms
- divisionist
- divisionists
- divisions
- divisive
- divisively
- divisiveness
- divisivenesses
- divisor
- divisors
- divisory
- divisural line
- divorce
- divorce mill
- divorceable
- divorced
- divorced from reality
- divorcees
- divorcement