n. (pl. vexilla)
1. Rom. Antiq. a a military standard, esp. of a maniple. b a body of troops under this.
2 Bot. the large upper petal of a papilionaceous flower.
3 Zool. the vane of a feather.
4 Eccl. a a flag attached to a bishop's staff. b a processional banner or cross.
Etymology: L f. vehere vect- carry