gonfalon

a large colored banner cut at the bottom so as to leave pendant points. The name is applied principally to ecclesiastical banners, carried around to raise the vassals of a church fief to defend church property. The color was varied according to the character of the patron saint of the church or monastery, e.g. red for a martyr, green for a bishop, etc. The bearers were called gonfaloniers. Some writers ascribe to these the origin of the practice of carrying banners in the Roman Catholic processions.

The gonfalon-bearer, or standard-bearer of the Holy Roman Church. He has the rank of lieutenant-general and is entitled to the Noble Guard uniform.