Signifer

The Signifer (Latin signum = " character", ferre = " bear, bring ") was the carrier of the field signs of Centuries in the Roman military. He belonged to the Principales (about NCOs / Sergeant ) and received double pay. Externally Signiferi were singled out because they wore a special helmet, which could be closed with a mask and where the groomed head of a predatory animal pelt ( wolf, lion, bear ) was attached. The front paws of the coat were tied over the breast, the rest of the fur covered the back of the Signifer. In contrast to the rest of the legionaries wore no Signifer Scutum, but originally coming from the small oval cavalry shield (Parma equestris ).

To Signiferi was made experienced soldiers with proven bravery, because the sign of the Centuries in the fray was a key point of reference for the Legionaries and not allowed to fall.

The Signifer was after the centurion 's highest-ranking soldier of the Centuries. Since he was, however, very limited by its specific task in the fight scene, he was not the tactical Deputy centurion in battle (this was the Optio ).

The highest-ranking Signifer a legion was the Aquilifer who wore the Legion Eagle. This was a special guard of honor for deserving officers shortly before their release.

Presence

Today, the term is usually in the form Signiferar used in the development of the Catholic Mass for the acolytes who are carriers of the episcopal insignia miter and staff.