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Astandard-bearer, also known as acolour-bearer orflag-bearer, is a person who bears an emblem known as astandard ormilitary colours, i.e. either a type offlag or an inflexible but mobile image, which is used (and oftenhonoured) as a formal, visual symbol of astate,prince,military unit, etc.[1] This can either be an occasional duty, often seen as an honour (especially on parade), or a permanent charge (also on the battlefield); the second type has even led in certain cases to this task being reflected in official rank titles such asChorąży,Ensign,Cornet,Fähnrich andAlferes/Alférez.
In the context of theOlympic Games, a flagbearer is theathlete who carries the flag of their country during theopening andclosing ceremonies.
While at present a purely ceremonial function, as far back asRoman warfare andmedieval warfare bearing the standard had an important role on the battlefield. The standard-bearer acted as an indicator of where the position of a military unit was, with the bright, colourful standard or flag acting as a strong visual beacon to surrounding soldiers. Soldiers were typically ordered to follow and stay close to the standard or flag in order to maintain unit cohesion, and for a single commander to easily position his troops by only positioning his standard-bearer, typically with the aid of musical cues or loud verbal commands. It was an honorable position carrying a considerable risk, as a standard-bearer would be a major target for the opposing side's troops seeking to capture the standard or pull it down.
In the Roman military the person carrying thestandard was calledSignifer. In addition to carrying thesignum, thesignifer also assumed responsibility for the financial administration of the unit and functioned as the legionaries' banker. The Signifer was also aDuplicarius, paid twice the basic wage.
In thecity militias of theDutch Republic, the standard-bearer was often the youngest single man, who was shown in group portraits wearing rich clothing in addition to carrying the flag. Chosen ensigns were good candidates for painters to woo with their portrait skills.[citation needed]
Gonfaloniere of Justice (Gonfaloniere di Giustizia) (literally: "Standard Bearer of Justice" was a post in the government ofmedieval and early Renaissance Florence.
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The dictionary definition ofstandard-bearer at Wiktionary