Banlier

Banlier a square flag carried in processions after Roman Catholic custom, and usually designating the parish to which it belongs by the image of the patron saint. In the chapel of orderstof knighthood, as in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, the Chapel of the Order of the Garter, the banner of each knight — i.e. a little square flag bearing his arms — is suspended at his installation over his appropriate stall. The installation of a knight is a religious ceremony, hence the propriety of the act. It is not uncommon to place banners taken in battle over the tombs of victorious generals. Banners were formerly a part of the ornaments of the altar, and were suspended over it "that in the Church the triumph of Christ may evermore be held in mind" (Durand). A heraldic banner is attached to the staff on which it is carried by one side, while the ecclesiastical banner is suspended from the top of the staff by means of a yard. See Pugin, Gloss. of Eccl. Ornament and Costume.

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.