nounplural noun vexilla/vɛkˈsɪlə/
1(in ancient Rome) a military standard or banner, especially one of a maniple.
‘In 1855 (during the reign of King Rama IV; Mongkut) the white chakra was dropped and thus the vexillum was a red field with a white elephant in the centre.’- ‘Only one example of vexilla has ever been found - the 3rd century example from Egypt.’
- ‘Many examples of the vexillum are represented in illuminated manuscripts.’
- ‘In Roman artwork, any vexillum which isn't just blank (due to loss of painted detail) has only lettering on it.’
banner, standard, ensign, pennant, pennon, banderole, streamer, jack- 1.1A body of troops under a vexillum.
- 1.2A flag attached to a bishop's staff.
- 1.3A processional banner or cross.
2Botany
The standard of a papilionaceous flower.- ‘During anthesis, the standard petal (vexillum) curves backward after the expansion of the wing petals.’
3Ornithology
The vane of a feather.
Origin
Latin, from vehere ‘carry’.
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