Gonfalon; Gonfanon

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The ensign or standard in use by certain princes or states, such as the mediæval republics of Italy, and in more recent times by the pope.

2. A name popularly given to any flag which hangs from a crosspiece or frame instead of from the staff or the mast itself. Standards and gonfalons, 'twixt van and rear, Stream in the air. Milton.