standard-bearer
[stan-derd-bair-er]
- an officer or soldier of an army or military unit who bears a standard.
- a conspicuous leader of a movement, political party, or the like.
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Origin of standard-bearer
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for standard-bearer
Contemporary Examples
This is the profile of someone who can make it through the primaries and emerge as a standard-bearer for the party.
Again the standard-bearer was Thurmond, who campaigned hard for the conservative icon.
The Republican Party’s Race Problem and Strom Thurmond’s LegacyJordan Michael Smith
September 22, 2012
The Republican standard-bearer could transform the race during the debates.
GOP Civil War Is Coming as Mitt Romney Campaign Flails in Video’s WakeRobert Shrum
September 18, 2012
There have been other conventions that fell dutifully into line behind the standard-bearer without an excess of affection.
He has been cast as the standard-bearer for the economic oligarchs, the apologist for the top 1% of the top 1%.
Historical Examples
He had run away to the army and, to his vast delight, been made a standard-bearer.
The Birth of Yugoslavia, Volume 1Henry Baerlein
Another, named Talero, disputed the question of who should be the standard-bearer.
The Philippine IslandsJohn Foreman
Adam struck at the standard-bearer and brought him reeling forward.
The Napoleon of Notting HillGilbert K. Chesterton
His standard-bearer was killed at his side, and the standard thrown down.
Henry of Monmouth, Volume 1J. Endell Tyler
King Harald rode at the front of his army with his standard-bearer beside him.
Viking TalesJennie Hall
standard-bearer
- an officer or man who carries a standard
- a leader of a cause or party
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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