gon·fa·lon (g n f -ln , -ln)n. A banner suspended from a crosspiece, especially as a standard in an ecclesiastical procession or as the ensign of a medieval Italian republic. [Italian gonfalone, of Germanic origin; see gwhen- in Indo-European roots.] |
gonfalon [ˈgɒnfələn], gonfanon [ˈgɒnfənən]
n
1. (Historical Terms) a banner hanging from a crossbar, used esp by certain medieval Italian republics or in ecclesiastical processions
2. (History / Heraldry) a battle flag suspended crosswise on a staff, usually having a serrated edge to give the appearance of streamers
[from Old Italian gonfalone, from Old French gonfalon, of Germanic origin; compare Old English gūthfana war banner, Old Norse gunnfani]
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|