pair of colours

English

Alternative forms

• pair of colors (American English spelling)

Noun

pair of colours (plural pairs of colours)

1. The commission of an ensign in the infantry or a cornet in the cavalry; an ensigncy or cornetcy. [from 18th c.]
   • 1751, [Tobias] Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […], →OCLC:

     [T]he old general assured him of his protection and interest for a pair of colours, if he was disposed to enter into the Dutch Service.

2. (British spelling) A national flag and a regimental flag when carried together.

References

• https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pair%20of%20colors