Oriflamme

views updated Jun 08 2018

Oriflamme the sacred scarlet silk banner of St Denis given to early French kings on setting out for war by the abbot of St Denis; in extend use, a principle or ideal that serves as a rallying point in a struggle. Recorded from late Middle English, the word comes via Old French from Latin aurum ‘gold’ + flamma ‘flame’.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

oriflamme

views updated May 14 2018

oriflamme sacred banner of St. Denis, of red or orange-coloured silk. XV (also -flambe). — (O)F. oriflambe, -flamme, in medL. auriflamma, f. aurum gold + flamma FLAME.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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Oriflamme

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