I.a military ensign, standard, banner, flag.
I. In gen., Caes. B. G. 6, 36; Cic. Phil. 2, 40, 102; 5, 11, 29; id. Att. 10, 15, 2; id. Agr. 2, 32, 86; Tac. A. 1, 20 al.—
II. In partic., a red flag placed on the general's tent, as a signal for marching or for battle: vexillum proponere, to raise or display, Caes. B. G. 2, 20: “vexillo signum dare,” id. B. C. 3, 89 fin.—
B. Transf., the troops belonging to a vexillum, a company, troop, Liv. 8, 8; Tac. H. 1, 70; Stat. Th. 12, 782.—
III. Trop.: “Fortunae,” Stat. S. 4, 2, 43.