What does labarum mean?
A labarum is a military standard, especially the prominent Roman imperial standard associated with the emperor. The term is most closely associated with Constantine the Great, who used the eagle-bearing labarum as an emblem of imperial authority and military victory. In historical writing, the word may refer more generally to a commander's banner or to any standard carried before troops in battle. Although now uncommon outside historical and literary contexts, it remains a vivid symbol of sovereignty, allegiance, and battlefield leadership. The word can describe either the physical object or, occasionally, the political authority represented by it. It is not a general synonym for an ordinary flag; its traditional sense carries a strong association with the Roman army and the emperor.
nounA Roman military standard, especially the imperial standard bearing an eagle and associated with the authority of the Roman emperor.
- A Roman military standard, especially the imperial standard associated with the emperor.
- By extension, any military standard or banner.
"The emperor's labarum was carried before the Roman legions as a symbol of imperial command."
"Constantine adopted the labarum as the principal emblem of the Roman army."
"The regiment advanced beneath the king's labarum."
The plural is labara, with the final vowel remaining unstressed.
"Several labara were raised as the cavalry advanced."
The labarum made the Roman emperor's authority visible on the battlefield: one eagle-topped standard could rally an army and proclaim whose command it followed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does labarum come from?
The English word comes from Latin labarum, meaning a military standard. Its deeper origin is uncertain, and proposed derivations from other Latin words are not well established. In English usage it became especially associated with the eagle-bearing standard carried by Roman emperors, notably Constantine the Great.
How labarum is actually used
The word is uncommon in modern English and is chiefly historical or literary. Its best-known referent is the Roman imperial standard, traditionally described as bearing an eagle.
Easily confused with labarum
A labarum is a Roman military standard, whereas a labrum is an anatomical structure forming the upper lip.