Vexillum

(a banner) is the crucifix carried before the pope, with the figure towards him, to remind him that he should have Christ crucified ever before his eyes.

The word vexillum also denotes a flag or pennon of silk or linen attached to the upper part of a bishop's pastoral staff by a cord. This pennon is then folded round the staff, so as to avoid the inconvenience which might arise from the moisture of the hand staining the metal of which the staff is made. Many examples of the vexillum are represented in illuminated MSS., and some are to be found on memorial brasses and incised slabs.