Standards,
A flag or ensign round which men rally or unite for a common purpose; also an emblem of nationality. The practice of an army using standards dates from the earliest times. The emblem of the cross on standards and shields is due to the asserted miraculous appearance of a cross to Constantine, previous to his battle with Maxentius; Eusebius says that he received this statement from the Emperor himself, 312. The standard was named labarum. For the celebrated French standard, Auriflamme. The British imperial standard was first hoisted on the Tower of London, and on Bedford tower, Dublin, and displayed by the foot guards, on the union of the kingdoms, Jan. 1, 1801.
