pennant

From Middle English penon, penoun, pynoun, Old French penon, French pennon, from Latin penna (“feather”). See pen (“a feather”), and compare pennon, pinion.

• IPA^(key): /ˈpɛnənt/
• Rhymes: -ɛnənt

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pennant (plural pennants)

1. A flag normally used by naval vessels to represent a special condition.
   1. The broad pennant flown by commodores.
   2. The church pennant indicating religious services are taking place aboard ship.
   3. The commissioning pennant flown on ceremonial occasions.
2. (sports) The winning of a competition, represented by a flag.

   The New York Yankees have won the American League pennant far more often than any other team.

3. A rope or strap to which a purchase is hooked.
4. A sandstone between coal measures in parts of South Wales

Not to be confused with pedant (one overly concerned with correctness), nor with pendant (a piece of jewellery).

• pennon

• Pennant in the 1921 edition of Collier's Encyclopedia.