1) Flag 2) Small flag 3) Type of flag 
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 compa...
cloth worn on priest's arm and used for handling holy vesselssmall flag used in surveying
• (n.) A small flag sometimes carried at the head of the baggage of a brigade. • (n.) A small flag for marking the stations in surveying.
Fan'ion noun [ See Fanon .] 1. (Mil.) A small flag sometimes carried at the head of the baggage of a brigade. [ Obsolete] 2. A small flag for marking the stations in surveying. 
[n] - a small flag used by surveyors or soldiers to mark a position
noun a small flag used by surveyors or soldiers to mark a position