Obs. [a. obs. LG. venlîn (obs. G. fenlin, -lein; now fähnlein), dim. of vāne (G. fahne) banner. Cf. BANNER sb.1 3.] A company (of soldiers). (See also VANLIN.)
1541. St. Papers Hen. VIII. (1849), VIII. 550. [They had set up four] venlins [or banners, each of which ought to] conteyne [500].
1587. Fleming, Contn. Holinshed, III. 1994/1. They prouided the best they could to repell them, appointing foure venlins or ensignes of lance knights to keepe a standing watch that night in the trenches.
