Pennons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Narrow, pointed banners traditionally displayed on poles to signify a group or family heritage
2. Tapered flags often utilized in ceremonies or military displays, representing unity and ownership
3. Flags that are slender and elongated, typically flown from a pole to show allegiance or identity

Etymology: "Pennons" is the plural of "pennon," a long, narrow flag fixed to a lance. The surprising link is that the original sense was a feather: the word comes from Old French "penon," a diminutive of "penne," "feather" or "wing," which descends from Latin "penna." The flag was named for its resemblance to a feather streaming in the wind, and the same root gave English "pen," the quill used for writing. Late Middle English took the word as "pennon" or "penoun," and it came to name not only the banner itself but also a person who bore one, a knight bachelor, and even a strip of trim around the edge of a shield. Each of these senses grew from the same pointed, tapering shape.

Synonyms: banners, flags, streamers, pennants, colors