A standard-bearer, also known as a colour-bearer, flag-bearer or banner-carrier, is a person who bears an emblem known as a standard or military colours, i.e. either a type of flag or an inflexible but mobile image, which is used as a formal, visual symbol of a state, prince, military unit, etc. This can either be an occasional duty, often seen as an honour, or a permanent charge ; the second type has even led in certain cases to this task being reflected in official rank titles such as Chorąży, Ensign, Cornet, Fähnrich and Alferes/Alférez.