Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Pennant

Pen′nant

(pĕn′nant)
,
Noun.
[OE.
penon
,
penoun
,
pynoun
, OF.
penon
, F.
pennon
, fr. L.
penna
feather. See
Pen
a feather, and cf.
Pennon
,
Pinion
.]
(Naut.)
(a)
A small flag; a pennon. The
narrow pennant
, or
long pennant
(called also whip or coach whip) is a long, narrow piece of bunting, carried at the masthead of a government vessel in commission. The
board pennant
is an oblong, nearly square flag, carried at the masthead of a commodore’s vessel.
“With flags and pennants trimmed.”
Drayton.
(b)
A rope or strap to which a purchase is hooked.

Webster 1828 Edition


Pennant

PEN'NANT


Definition 2024


pennant

pennant

English

Church pennant as used by the Royal Navy, Commonwealth Navies, and Royal Netherlands Navy.

Noun

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.

Usage notes

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

Related terms

Translations