Pennant
/ˈpɛn.ənt/noun
A long, tapering flag used for signaling or decoration.
Did you know?In medieval times, pennants were often used in battle to identify noble houses, acting as magical totems that invoked protection and valor.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
penon
“a banner or flag, often used in warfare.”
Late Latin
Latin
pennonem
“a feather or wing, symbolizing flight and nobility.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pen-
“to hang, related to the concept of something suspended.”
Middle English
English
penant
“a flag or standard, particularly in the context of naval or military use.”
Modern English
English
pennant
“a distinctive flag, particularly one used by ships.”