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Of Bannerets.
THis was antiently an Order in France, and (excert that in England they are not cre∣ated by Parent, not the Title Hereditary,) the same: The creation is almost the same with theirs, by the solemn delivery of a Banner, charged with the Arms of him that is to be created, and cutting or tearing off the end of a Pennon or Streamers, to make it square into the shape of a Banner, are called by some Equites vexillarii.
Sir William Segar relates the Ceremony thus; He is led between two other Knights into the presence of the King or Generall, with his Pen∣non of Arms in his hand, and there the He∣ralds declare his merit, for which he deserves to be made a Knight Banneret, and thenceforth to display a Banner in the field. Then the King, or Generall, causes the point of his Pen∣non to be rent off; and the new made Knight returns to his Tent, the Trumpets sounding be∣fore him.
A Banneret thus made may bear his Banner display'd, if he be a Captain, and set his Arms thereon, as other Degrees above him.
And although the Knight Baronet be an honor given by Patent, and made hereditary;