Standard-bearer

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A standard-bearer is a person (soldier or civilian) who bears an emblem called an ensign or standard, i.e. either a type of flag or an inflexible but mobile image, which is used (and often honoured) as a formal, visual symbol of a state, prince, military unit, etc.

This can either be an occasional duty, often seen as an honour (especially on parade), or a permanent charge (also on the battle-field); the second type has even lead in certain cases to this task being reflected in official rank titles.

Many terms exist, often specifying the type of standard borne (in various cases named in parenthesis after the bearer).

1 In antiquity
- 1.1 Pre-hellenistic
- 1.2 Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine
2 Feudal
3 Modern

[edit] In antiquity

[edit] Pre-hellenistic

pharaonic nome-emblems (many also the name of such province)

[edit] Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine

Aetos
Aquilifer (Aquila)
Bandifer (Bandum)
Discens aquilifer(or)um, - signiferorum : trainee
Draconarius (Draco, 'dragon) - one of them could be selected Optio Draconarius; ... Bearcus Draconarius ...
Imiginifer (Imago) ?5 original images : Aper = boar, Equus = horse, Minotaur(us), ?Tabula ansata : winged boar, Taurus = bull ...
Ornithoboros
Semaforus < Semaphoros (Semion?)
Signifer (Signum) - one of them could be selected as Signifer princeps
Tablifer - guards cavalry (?Tabula ansata : winged boar)
Vexillifer (Vexillum)