Banner

Banner. This word, which custom has very nearly rendered interchangeable with the word "flag," really means only the square flag bearing the arms of the owner, whose rank governs its size. Anciently, it was used in battle, when each squire assembled his retainers under his own; but nowadays the only usage of banners appears to be at funerals, city processions, upon mansions, and over the stalls of each Knight of the various Orders. The "great banner" displays the whole of the owner's quarterings, but the arms of a wife should never be shown thereupon.