oriflamme

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

oriflamme
    n 1: an inspiring symbol or ideal that serves as a rallying
         point in a struggle
    2: a red or orange-red flag used as a standard by early French
       kings

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Oriflamb \Or"i*flamb\, Oriflamme \Or"i*flamme\, n. [F.
   oriflamme, OF. oriflambe, LL. auriflamma; L. aurum gold +
   flamma flame; cf. L. flammula a little banner. So called
   because it was a flag of red silk, split into many points,
   and borne on a gilded lance.]
   1. The ancient royal standard of France.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A standard or ensign, in battle. "A handkerchief like an
      oriflamb." --Longfellow.
      [1913 Webster]

            And be your oriflamme to-day the helmet of Navarre.
                                                  --Macaulay.
      [1913 Webster] Origan