Emily Dickinson Lexicon

banner (-s), n. [OFr < L. bandum, standard < Goth. bandwa, sign, token] (webplay: king, state, train).

1. Streamer; pennant; decorative flag; [fig.] bright-colored clothing (see Song of Solomon 6:4).
2. Colors; blossom; spring flower; [botany] upper petal of a papilionaceous corol.
3. Ensign; signaling flag; principal standard of a prince or state (see Isaiah 13:2).