What is "fanion"

Fanion \Fan"ion\, n. [See Fanon.]

1. (Mil.) A small flag sometimes carried at the head of the baggage of a brigade. [Obs.]

2. A small flag for marking the stations in surveying.

n. A small flag used for marking positions, especially by soldiers and surveyors.

n. a small flag used by surveyors or soldiers to mark a position

A fanion is a small flag used by the French military; the equivalent of an American guidon or British company colour. The name derives from the Italian word gonfanone, or gonfanon. They were often attached to a small staff which was placed in the muzzle of a rifle.

The regulation sizes were 50 cm x 40 cm for a battalion fanion, 40 x 30 for a company fanion, and 34 x 27 for a platoon fanion (the latter can also be a triangular pennant 30 x 40).