n. The piece of cloth, attached to the upper part of a pole or staff, which in former times served as the standard of a sovereign, lord, or knight, after which he and his followers marched to war, and which served as a rallying-point in battle; hence, the flag or standard of a country, army, troop, etc.; a standard or ensign.n. In heraldry, a square flag which in the middle ages was the ensign of a knight banneret.n. An ensign or flag bearing a badge or emblem, as of a society or order, and borne in processions.n. Figuratively, anything displayed as a profession of principles.n. See ensign, flag, pennon, and standard.n. In botany, the vexillum or upper petal of a papilionaceous flower. Also called the standard.n. One of eight divisions into which the Manchus are marshaled, each with distinguishing flag or banner.Leading or foremost in regard to some particular cause or matter, such as giving the largest majority to a political party, etc.