n. 1. An inspiring standard or symbol. 2. The red or orange-red flag of the Abbey of Saint Denis in France, used as a standard by the early kings of France. [Middle English oriflamble, banner of St. Denis, from Old French, variant of oriflambe, possibly from Medieval Latin aurea flamma, auriflamma (Latin aurea, feminine of aureus, golden, from aurum, gold + Latin flamma, flame; see FLAME) or alteration of Old French *lorie flambe (from Late Latin laurea flammula, laureled standard : Latin laurea, feminine of laureus, of laurel; see LAUREATE + Latin flammula, banner, diminutive of flamma, flame).] |
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