pennon
/'penən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A long, narrow, typically triangular or tapering flag, especially one used as a military standard, a ship's signal, or for decorative purposes. 2. The wing of a bird, especially when used in heraldic contexts or poetic language.
Usage
The word "pennon" is used to describe a specific type of flag or a bird's wing. It often carries a historical, nautical, or poetic connotation. - As a flag, it is distinct for its long, tapering shape. - As a term for a wing, it is now primarily literary or archaic.
Examples
- As a flag:
- The knight's lance was adorned with a colorful silk pennon.
- From the ship's mast flew the company's pennon.
- As a wing (literary/archaic):
- The falcon spread its broad pennons and took flight.
Advanced Usage
- Heraldry: In heraldry, a "pennon" can refer to a small flag used as a personal badge or to denote a knight bachelor, typically smaller than a banner.
- His coat of arms was displayed on a small pennon.
- Aviation/Military: Historically, "pennon" could refer to a streamer on a lance or a small flag on a vehicle.
- The squadron leader's aircraft was marked with a distinctive blue pennon.
Variants and Related Words
- Pennant (noun): A synonym for a tapering flag, especially used in nautical contexts or sports (e.g., a championship pennant). It is often used interchangeably with "pennon" for the flag meaning.
- Banner (noun): A general term for a flag, but typically rectangular, not tapering.
- Streamer (noun): A long, narrow strip of material, similar to a pennon but often used for decoration.
Synonyms
- For the flag meaning: pennant, banner, streamer, ensign.
- For the wing meaning (archaic): wing, pinion.
Related Phrases
- To break a pennon: A historical phrase meaning to lower or strike one's flag as a sign of surrender or defeat.
- Pennon cell: A term in zoology referring to a part of a feather or wing structure.
Noun
- wing of a bird
- a long flag; often tapering