A banner, symbol or ideal inspiring devotion or courage.

The original oriflamme was the banner of Saint Denis, a patron saint of France who was said to be the first bishop of Paris. Middle English speakers referred to this red or reddish orange banner using the Middle French term oriflambe, from Old French ori flambe, meaning “small flag.” From the 12th to 15th centuries, French kings carried the banner into battle as a way of inspiring their troops. This tactic met with such success that, by the 17th century, English speakers were using “oriflamme” to refer to any group’s rallying symbol.