The spelling of the word "Oriflamb" is derived from the Middle French word "auriflambe," meaning "golden flame." The phonetic IPA transcription for this word is /ɔːrɪflæm/. The "or" sound is pronounced as the phoneme /ɔː/, followed by the short "i" sound /ɪ/. The "fl" sound is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative /f/, followed by the vowel sound /æ/. Finally, the "m" is pronounced as the voiced bilabial nasal consonant /m/. Overall, the word has a golden and majestic quality to it, befitting of its original meaning.
The word "oriflamme" or "oriflamb" has an interesting etymology. It derives from the Old French term "ori flambe", which can be literally translated as "burning gold".
The term "oriflamme" originally referred to the sacred banner or flag of the Abbey of Saint Denis, a famous Benedictine monastery located near Paris, France. The flag was known for its distinctive red or scarlet color, often adorned with a golden fringe. It was kept in the abbey and only brought out on special occasions, usually during times of war or important battles.
Over time, the term "oriflamme" began to be used more generally to describe any flag or banner used in battle, particularly one that represented a noble cause or a leader. It eventually entered the English language, still referring to a symbol or standard in warfare, generally associated with honor, valor, or inspiration.