vexill-

Flag research and/or publications of flag information by using electronics; particularly, the internet or other electronic delivery systems: There are many cybervexillologies presented on the setup joining computers in every part of the world for those who have a fascination about pieces of fabric, usually rectangular, with a special design on it and used as a symbol, and who enjoy learning about their history and international developments and symbolisms.

Hank's web site emphasized content about cybervexes and their related ensign knowledge.

Translation: "The banners of the king come forth" is the title of a hymn on the Passion of Christ, written by Vanantius Fortunatus, bishop of Poitiers (died about A.D. 600) and assigned to Vespers during Passiontide.

Of or pertaining to flags: Arthur was a scholar who specialized in vexillarious research, particularly of ensigns from the Middle East.

A standard-bearer, or under the Roman empire, "the oldest class of veterans": Marcus, Karen's traceable ancestor, was honored as a vexillarius in the latter days of the Roman empire.

1. One of the oldest class of veterans in the Roman army, serving under a special banner: According to the history books, numerous vexillaries were honored each year by the reigning Roman emperor.
2. A Roman standard-bearer; originally, a member of a special Roman military unit under a separate cavalry: The stone carvings on a pillar showed mounted vexillaries marching in a parade.

1. In Roman antiquity, a company of troops under one flag, detached for special service from a main body of soldiers: While planning for the invasion, the Roman emperor amassed several vexilations, some of which were mounted on horses.
2. A regular division of cavalry; also, a company of veterans of a legion: One vexillation of the old infantrymen wore the bright colors of their regiment when they marched in the military parade.

While the earliest flags were vexilloids, the emblem at the top of the staff varied. It might have been the tail of a tiger, a metal vane, a ribbon, a carved animal, a windsock of woven grasses or crude cloth, or a construction combining more than one material.

Since kinship, real or imagined, constituted the principal organizing technique of primitive societies, very frequently the animal, from which the clan claimed descent and for which it was named as the chief symbol of the vexilloid.

The people who carried the totem believed they derived their powers from it; hence, "vexilloids acquired a religious significance which they have never lost".

Like Roman religion, these vexilloids were not jealous or exclusivistic because official recognition was given in the Roman pantheon to the totemic vexilloids of barbarian troops serving in the Roman army.

It was a matter of great surprise to the Romans when the monotheistic Jews rioted in ca. 26 A.D. upon the introduction of the sacred Roman vexilloids into the Temple on order of Pilate.

A banner-bearer in a mystery or a miracle play: During the festivities leading up to the Holy Week Celebrations in her city, Maria's son was chosen as vexillator for the Passion Play.

1. The worship of a ensign as a fetish or sacred object: The ancient group of vexilatries met to pay homage to the standard of their country and to pray to their gods that it would protect their warriors during battles and to provide them with victories over their enemies.
2. Etymology: from Latin vexil, "flag" + -latgry, "worship".

A reference to flags, banners, standards, streamers, pennants, colors, stars and stripes, Old Glory, etc.: Interested students were happy to discover that there were many vexillogical books in the university library dealing with the histories and uses of all kinds of emblems hoisted on buildings, ships, and by people as symbols of national or group identifications and celebrations.

A person who designs and/or makes pennants and banners: Because of her background in vexillarious history, Catherine was hired by the local legion of war heroes as a vexillographer to design a new standard to carry in the upcoming civic parade.

1. An object that functions as an ensign but differs from it in some respect, usually in appearance: Vexilloids are characteristic of traditional societies and often consist of a staff with an emblem; such as, a carved animal, at the top.

Vexilloids of the Roman Empire were sophisticated in design and usage. Animals were used on standards until 104 B.C. when the consul Marius ordered the eagle to become the sole standard of Roman legions. Names and wreaths of honor were included on some Roman vexilloids, while in later years the emperors insisted that their portraits be used.

2. Etymology: from the word vexillum, the only cloth flag apparently carried by the Romans, which is derived the word vexillology, the study of flag history and symbolism.

A person or those who study and research information about colors: The vexillologists met to share their knowledge about the many ancient and other historical bannerets that have existed throughout the centuries.

1. The scientific study of the history, symbolism, and usage of flags or; by extension, any general listing of flags: Jacob's history professor and mentor, Mr. Dean, was intrigued by his proposal to do more extensive research in the field of vexillology.
2. The scholarly study of the history, symbolism, etiquette, design, manufacture, and other aspects of standards: Vexillology can include a wide variety of fields that apply to flags and their uses.
3. Etymology: from Latin vexillum, a term used by the Romans to refer to a kind of standard with a fabric hung from a horizontal crossbar on a pole. It is the closest equivalent in the classical languages to what we call a flag today.

In his book, Dr. Smith says, "While the use of flags goes back to the earliest days of human civilization, the study of that usage in a serious fashion is so recent that the term for it (vexillology, coined by the author of this book) did not appear in print until 1959. This has resulted in a lack of uniformity in flag terms and, worse still, a lack of source material concerning actual usage on which standardization might be based."

A Few Examples of the Flag Terms Used in Vexillology

An abnormal desire to collect, to have, or to posses, pennants, streamers, colors, etc: Since he was obsessed with his vexillomania, and because he had the necessary funds, Evert decided to establish an exhibition in a local museum so he could share his vast collection of flags with other people so they could appreciate his vexillophiliac passions.

Anyone who has an abnormal passion for owning flags: Kitty was happy to find an international organization of vexillomaniacs who met regularly to share their common passions about pennants and similar emblems.