banneret
Noun: 1. A knight honored for valor; entitled to display a square banner and to hold higher command: A banneret was a medieval knight who led a company of troops under his own square banner, a distinction granted for exceptional bravery on the battlefield. This rank was above that of a knight bachelor.
The term is historical and describes a specific military rank and honor in medieval European chivalry. * The king created him a banneret after his decisive actions at the battle. * As a banneret, he commanded a contingent of men and flew his personal square banner.
- The title was often conferred on the battlefield by the sovereign or commander, sometimes by cutting the tails from the knight's pennon to transform it into a square banner.
- The rank of banneret is considered a precursor to the modern military rank of baronet in some historical lineages.
- Banner (noun): The square flag that was the symbol of a banneret's rank and command.
- Knight Banneret: A fuller, synonymous term for banneret.
- Knight banneret
- Banner knight
This word refers exclusively to a historical rank and honor. It is not used in contemporary contexts outside of historical discussion. The concept is tied to feudal military organization and the code of chivalry.
- a knight honored for valor; entitled to display a square banner and to hold higher command