 The term "vexillum" (plural "vexilla") is used more generally for any object, such as a relic or icon, used as a standard in battle, and may be considered the offensive equivalent of the more defensive palladium in this context.Vexillology, or the study of flags, derives its name from this word and a vexilloid is a standard that is not of conventional flag form.Nearly all of the present-day regions of Italy preserve the use of "vexilla".