vexillum

A New Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis Ph.D. and Charles Short, LL. D.

vexillum, i, n. [dim. of vēlum], a military ensign, standard, banner, flag.

I In gen., Caes. B. G. 6, 36; Cic. Phil. 2, 40, 102; 5, 11, 29; id. Att. 10, 15, 2; id. Agr. 2, 32, 86; Tac. A. 1, 20 al.—

II In partic., a red flag placed on the general's tent, as a signal for marching or for battle: vexillum proponere, to raise or display , Caes. B. G. 2, 20: vexillo signum dare, id. B. C. 3, 89 fin.

B Transf., the troops belonging to a vexillum, a company , troop , Liv. 8, 8; Tac. H. 1, 70; Stat. Th. 12, 782.—

III Trop.: Fortunae, Stat. S. 4, 2, 43.

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