The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fanon \Fan"on\, n. [F. fanon, LL. fano, fr. OHG. fano banner
   cloth, G. fahne banner. See Vane, and cf. Fanion,
   Gonfalon.] (Eccl.)
   A term applied to various articles, as:
   (a) A peculiar striped scarf worn by the pope at mass, and by
       eastern bishops.
   (b) A maniple. [Written also fannel, phanon, etc.]
       [1913 Webster]