pennone

Pennone is an Italian noun meaning a large pennant or banner, used to describe flags carried in processions, displayed at court, or flown on ships. The term is cognate with the English pennon and pennant, sharing a root in Latin penna meaning feather, via Old French and Italian development.

Historically, pennoni served as standards or insignia in military, naval, and civic contexts. They functioned as visual signals of allegiance, unit designation, or authority. In heraldry and ceremonial usage, pennone-shaped banners commonly bore coat-of-arms, symbols, or emblems that identified a family, city, or institution.

Design and materials vary with purpose. Pennoni are often elongated and may be swallow-tailed, triangular, or rectangular. Fabrics such as silk, wool, or cotton are typical, with colors and heraldic devices chosen to convey identity and status. In architectural and ceremonial settings, pennone-like banners may be used as decorative elements on buildings during festivals or religious rites.

Modern usage in Italian remains tied to traditional meanings, but the term is rarely used in everyday English. In Italian contexts, pennone retains connotations of formal or commemorative banners, while casual references may simply call them flags or pennants as appropriate to the situation.

As a surname, pennone appears in Italian records, though it is relatively uncommon. See also pennant, pennon, and heraldry for related concepts.