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Flag Terms



Gadsden flag

National Jack

first American flag by
Francis Hopkinson

Flag Terms

Reference Notes


applique / appliqué :
a design that's composed of interconnected parts or sections that are attached to a foundation or backing; a cutout design that's attached to another piece of material, as by sewing or some other method of application.

at the dip :
a flag or pennant that's not fully raised; temporarily poised about halfway up (or down) the halyard.

back :
the reverse or opposite side of a flag, with the hoist to the viewer's right.

badge :
a coat of arms or simple heraldic device, such as a shield, serving as a charge on the field of a flag.

banner :
the flag of a country or an army; originating as the standard of a sovereign or knight. Also, a flag with heraldic arms placed on it overall; such an heraldic banner doesn't display a coat of arms as a charge or escutcheon. Also, a flag or ensign that's been vertically draped or stretched between two anchor points, and bears some device, motto, or slogan, as something displayed as a symbol of principles. [v: banner / banneret / bannerette]

battle flag :
a flag carried by armed forces on land ... often smaller than normal, and sometimes subdued (as contrasted with a parade flag).

battle honors :
the names of battles or engagements wherein a unit fought, which were originally embroidered or painted onto the face of the flag, but were later attached as streamers.

battle streamer :
see battle honors, streamer.

bend :
a diagonal stripe of color extending from corner to corner; a diagonal stripe, either dexter or sinister, from chief to base.

bend on :
attaching signal flags to a halyard.

bicolor :
a flag of two colors, usually in equal fields; a field divided equally, such as vertically (ie: Malta or the Vatican), or horizontally (ie: Ukraine or San Marino), or diagonally (ie: ...) into two different colored halves, with or without fimbriation.

black flag :
the symbol for total war, take no prisoners, show no mercy; traditionally associated with extirpation and annihilation, nihilism and anarchism.

block-out liner :
a thick or heavy opaque liner that's used on two-ply flags with a white or light colored field so as to prevent a distractingly see-through appearance on the opposite side.

block the colors :
by halyard through a running block

blood chit / blood-chit :
a printed cloth "promisory note" or "redemption coupon" issued to UK and US aircrew members since World War II; also known as "escape and identification flags" or "goolie chits", they displayed a national flag and a message printed in the several languages of the region offering a reward for assisting in the repatriation of any separated or stranded Allied servicemember ... they have been rarely redeemed, but served as wartime morale boosters.

Bonnie Blue flag :
a Scottish flag, consisting of a white star centered on a blue field, that was briefly adopted by Celtic immigrants during the American Revolutionary War, the battles for Florida independence, the battles for Texas independence, and the American Civil War.

bordered :
a flag where the central color is surrounded by a different color; an "inner border" consists of a band of color within a contrasting field that encloses a panel of another color, while an "outer border" consists of a band of color surrounding a field of another color while touching the edges of the flag.

bordering :
stitching the exposed edges of a flag in a color different than the field, as for decoration, but mostly to prevent fraying.

breadth :
an obsolete British measurement for flags, being at nine inches (23cm) wide, as derived from when flag cloth was woven in nine inch strips; hence a "four breadth" flag is 36 inches (91cm) wide.

break a flag / breaking a flag :
to raise a rolled, folded, or furled flag aloft, then at an appropriate moment after this bundle has reached the top of the flagpole, its binding hitch is suddenly released, usually for dramatic effect, so that the flag opens to fly in full display.

broad pennant :
a flag with the fly-end cut into a swallowtail.

bunting :
the coarse cotton or worsted woolen fabric that was traditionally used to make flags and signals. Also, festive draperies and streamers made of this fabric in patriotic colors for use as decoration. Also, collectively, the flags of a naval vessel.

burgee :
a small nautical signal flag or identification pennant ... sometimes serving as a maritime flag, and often swallowtailed.

burgee-cut :
a signal flag or pennon that has a swallowtailed notch at its fly end.

call to the colors :
evocative phrase akin to "rally 'round the flag", meaning to activate the militia, in the same sense that a "call to arms" or a call to "man the barricades" invites volunteers to defend their community or their standards.

camp colors :
small flags used to mark the encampment of a unit, especially its headquarters.

canton :
any quarter of a flag, but especially the upper left-hand (dexter) section or the upper hoist portion; also known as the 'union' in British and American flags. [nb: not always a full fourth or complete quarter of the field]

casket flag :
a national standard sized (approximately 9.5ft by 5ft) to drape the lid or cover of the coffin used for interring a military servicemember or veteran; as part of the burial ceremony, this flag is typically triangle folded and presented to a family member.

chape :
the terminal mount on a protective cap or sleeve (ferrule).

charge :
a distinctive figure or feature arranged in the field of a flag. [nb: a coat of arms or heraldic device used as a charge is sometimes called a badge, crest, shield, or emblem]

chevron :
a V-shaped band of color; a bent stripe pointing upward.

chief :
the top horizontal section of a flag or shield; the upper one-third of an escutcheon divided horizontally.

civil ensign :
an unofficial or informal flag or banner that's borne aboard a private vessel at sea.

civil flag :
the public version of the national flag of a country that private citizens may use on non-governmental property.

cleat :
a tethering device used to secure the halyard on a flagpole.

coat of arms :
a full display of the armorial bearings of an heraldic entity, usually on an escutcheon, consisting of the helmet, the shield, the crest, mantling and supporters, but the motto is not part of the armorial achievement; originally derived from a surcoat or tabard embroidered with these heraldic devices, as worn by medieval knights over their armor. [cf: cotte d'armes] [nb: a coat of arms or heraldic device used as a charge is sometimes called a badge, crest, shield, or emblem]

color :
an heraldic tincture, including metals and furs. Also, the military term for a 'flag', as distinguished from a 'standard', generally represented as 'colors', which is borne afoot by military ground forces. [nb: military forces of English-speaking countries often carry a pair of colors: one national or royal, and the other of the unit itself]

colorbearer :
the person who carries the standard, flag, or colors in a military formation. [cf: standard-bearer]

colorfast :
maintaining color, tint or tincture, without fading or bleeding, running or migrating.

color guard :
military personnel who carry and escort the national standard, flag, or colors during parade or review; also called "flag guard".

colors :
a flag or standard, banner or ensign, especially when borne by ground elements of the military. Also, the national flag of a country. [v: Belgium: vlag; Denmark: fane; France: drapeau; Germany: fahne / truppenfahne; Italy: bandiera; Netherlands: vaandel; Romania: drapelul de lupta; Russia: znamya; Spain: bandera / de regimiento; Sweden - segerfanan]

commission pennant / commissioning pennant :
a long narrow streamer flown from the main mast of a naval vessel indicating that the designated ship is part of the national nautical service of its country; also known as "masthead pennant" and "coach whip pennant".

cornet :
archaic term for the swallowtailed unit flag borne by a cavalry regiment, as for marking or signaling; so-called after the rank of the subaltern responsible for its carry and display. [cf: ensign; v: guidon]

counter-change :
a cross of colors placed inside the emblem on a flag or banner.

courtesy flag :
the national flag of the host country, which is hoisted as a gesture of respect whenever a yacht or merchant vessel visits a foreign port or harbor.

cross :
two stripes of the same color that join at right angles, often centrally placed, and typically extending across the whole flag.

cross bottany :
a cross with lobed ends of trefoils (three circles). [ety: clover]

cross cramponnee / cross cramponnée :
the swastika, a mystic figure symbolizing "good fortune" and a religious ornament implying natural forces, which dates from ancient times; also known as "crooked cross" and "broken cross".

defacing :
changing the design or composition of a flag by adding something to it, such as a badge, crest, charge, writing, or the like ... especially the battle flags of Colonial America. [nb: this vexillological term does not entail vandalism or desecration]

desecration of the flag :
political disrespect and commercial abuse of the American flag, as associated with sedition and treason.

device :
an emblem or design, usually on the field or fly of a flag.

dexter :
pertaining to the side of an heraldic shield that's on the bearer's right; the left side of a flag to an observer ... being the good or positive portion.

differencing :
varying the design or composition of a flag so as to differentiate it from another flag, albeit similar or related, as by a change of colors, the addition or deletion of a charge, or the alteration of other marks of cadency; such variation is typically performed to indicate a close cultural, historical, or geographical tie.

dip / dipping :
a method of saluting with the flag, wherein the flag on a mast or flagpole is lowered a few widths and then raised again to its original position; when handheld, the flagstaff is lowered to an almost horizontal level, with the flag nearly trailing the ground, then smartly returned to an upright position as a gesture of salutation.

distress signal :
the international distress signal flag is the pennon for the phonetic letter 'V' (Victor), which requests that assistance be rendered; additionally, a two pennon display of the phonetic letters 'N' (November) and 'C' (Charlie) are widely recognized as a distress signal. [nb: the U.S. Coast Guard prescribes an orange flag bearing a white disk on a black square as an emergency signal for small craft; flying a flag or an ensign upside down, or tied in a knot (wheft / waft), has not been recognized internationally as a distress signal since the Vietnam-era]

double seal :
a flag that reads correctly from both sides; a flag that displays the same on both sides because the back side has been altered by the addition of a portion of another design.

double sided :
see double thickness.

double thickness :
two single flags attached back to back so each side reads correctly, which influences the flag's weight and wear, affecting its outdoor flyability; also known as 'double sided'.

emblem :
a traditional or modern graphic design forming part or all of an heraldic device that's used as a charge on a flag.

embroidery :
the technique of working a design upon a piece of cloth or some other material with a needle and thread.

ensign :
a flag or banner that exhibits the rank, office, or nationality of a military conveyance, especially when borne aboard a vessel. Also, a flag used by ships at sea; nations may have civil, state, or war ensigns. [nb: in some countries, the term 'ensign' includes flags that are not intended to be hoisted on vessels]

ensign staff :
the flagpole at the stern of a vessel where the 'ensign' is mounted for display.

e pluribus unum :
Latin motto of the United States of America, meaning: "out of many, one".

face the music :
to turn in the direction of the trumpet and cannon during the flag-raising ceremony known as reveille or the flag-lowering ceremony known as retreat, while rendering a respectful salute to the colors.

false flag :
to decoy or deceive, as by disinformation or misdirection, deception or misrepresentation.

fanion :
a small flag, originally carried by military brigades, used as a positional marker by soldiers and surveyors; derived as a diminutive of 'fanon'.

fanon :
(t b a)

ferrule :
a reinforcing ring or sleeve encircling a pole or staff; a protective metal cap or tip covering the base end of the flagstaff. Also, the tubular portion of a finial enabling the ornament to be secured to the top of an indoor flagpole.

field :
the background or backdrop of a flag; the predominantly colored ground or foundation area behind the charges. [nb: on the American flag, the 'field' is the blue background for the stars in the canton]

fimbriated / fimbriation :
a narrow edging or bordering band, often in white or gold, used on a flag to separate two other colours; a thin stripe around the field or a thin outline surrounding a charge in a contrasting color, so as to enhance its visibility or conspicuousness.

finial :
a relatively small terminal feature, as at the top of a post or the head end of a pole, used for ornamentation or decoration; this adornment is used as a symbolic device or representative component when placed atop a flagpole. [nb: the Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps use a silver (chrome or nickel) spearhead finial, and the Navy uses a brass battle-ax finial on the national ensign during ceremonies ashore. In the Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps, the national colors, together with any other official flag of position or rank, are displayed with a small spread-winged eagle (head turned, wings low) as the appropriate ornamental finial on indoor flagpoles for the president, vice president, cabinet secretaries, and other presidentially-appointed and senate-confirmed officials. In the Navy, the national ENSIGN, together with any other official flag of position or rank, are displayed with a small spread-winged eagle (head forward, wings high) as the appropriate ornamental finial on outdoor flagpoles for any officer or official who rates at least a 19-gun salute, including the president, vice president, cabinet secretaries, under secretaries, governors, supreme court justices, congressmembers, ambassadors, the joint chiefs of staff, and five-star flag officers; which practice stems from the use of flagstaff ornaments in boats to indicate the rank of passengers. Other flag officers and presidentially appointed officials, who rate a 11 to 17 gun salute, use a brass halberd atop the ensign and their flags of office. Navy captains (and colonels in the other services) rate a brass ball, commanders and lieutenant colonels a star, other officers a flat headed cap.]

flag :
a piece of cloth, generally rectilinear, bearing marks and/or colors in a distinctive design that's used symbolically or as a signal; if representing a nation or organization, it's called a 'flag' when mounted on a building or structure, called a 'standard' when mounted on a vehicle, called an 'ensign' when mounted on a vessel, and called the 'colors' when borne by marchers. Also, a colorfully decorative piece of cloth that's flown to attract attention, especially when used for signaling. [nb: the first "flags" consisted of distinctive objects set atop tall poles, as used for identification and signaling by the Egyptian army (mid-3000BC); silk 'flags' were used by the various Chinese armies during the same era]

flag burning :
the proper method of disposing of a worn-out, tattered and torn American flag that's no longer suitable for dignified display, with the ashes then buried; the rending and burning of an American flag as an expression of political protest is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

flag day :
the adoption of the American flag on 14 June 1777 by the Continental Congress; the anniversary thereof was made a federal holiday in 1916.

flag hoist :
a group of signal flags attached to the same halyard and hoisted together as a unit.

flag of command :
the banner or pennant displaying the rank of the commanding general or admiral at his current location.

flag officer :
any senior officer, ranked general or admiral, being entitled to display a placard or flag of such rank on any vehicle or craft, building or post as a representation of command; the banner so displayed is known as a flag of command or command pennant.

flag of protection :
indicative of a protective barrier that's extended by larger, more powerful nations, for the defense of client states or smaller nations; this mostly obsolete phrase is also expressed as a safe conduct flag.

flag of truce :
any banner or flag used as a signal between warring parties, as an interruption of hostilities, as an indication of willingness to negotiate or parley (eg: treaty terms, prisoner exchange, mercy missions, and the like), or as a sign of safe passage for representatives and inspectors through hostile territory; also known as a parley flag, safe conduct flag, or flag of protection.

flagpole / pole :
a flagstaff for the mounting or display of a flag, guidon, ensign, jack, banner, streamer, pennant, burgee, or other colors; also called staff, stave, jackstaff, or mast, and derived from the pike or lance.

flagstaff / staff :
a flagpole for the mounting or display of a flag, guidon, ensign, jack, banner, streamer, pennant, burgee, or other colors; also called pole, stave, jackstaff, or mast, and derived from the pike or lance.

flank marker :
a small flag positioned at each end of a regiment's line of battle as demarcation.

flash collar :
a decorative cover at the base of an outdoor flagpole. Also, a decorative cover used at the base of an in-ground flagpole that's used to deflect drainage away from the flagpole's foundation.

fly :
the outer portion of a flag farthest from the staff; the vertical half of a free-flying flag that's opposite of the heading or hoist. Also, the horizontal or lengthwise measure of a flag; the length of the flag measured from the sleeve or heading to the free edge.

flying colors :
an idiomatic expression meaning overwhelming victory, indisputable triumph, or untrammeled success; often represented as "with colors flying".

fringe :
an ornamental border attached to the three free edges of a flag, often in a complimentary color; a decorative embellishment consisting of short strands of straight or twisted threads of trim hanging from a strip or band on the free edges of a flag. Fringe has been commonly used for decoration on European standards since the 18th century, and American flags used for parade or display are routinely fringed.

front :
the obverse or face side of a flag, with the hoist to the viewer's left.

furl :
to gather a flag into a roll and bind it securely against its staff; to encase the colors of a deactivated unit.

garrison flag :
a large flag reserved for display over military posts and bases, typically being sized twenty feet wide by thirty-eight feet long, or more; it's twice as wide and long as a post flag. [nb: the "Star Spangled Banner" flown over Fort McHenry in Baltimore was thirty feet by forty-two feet]

gonfalon :
a type of heraldic banner that's often pointed or swallowtailed, can be suspended from a crossbar, and is sometimes displayed with several streamers or tails; derived from the standards flown by the medieval Italian republics, this arrangement is popular in universities and churches.

Grand Old Flag :
nickname for the national flag of the United States of America.

Great Seal of the United States :
the official armorial badge of the United States of America was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1782, and with only minor changes in design, it has continued to validate formal government documents; this heraldic crest consists of an American eagle holding a scroll in its beak that's inscribed "E Pluribus Unum", an olive branch in one talon, a bundle of thirteen arrows in the other talon, covering its breast is a shield with thirteen alternate red and white stripes, and a cloud above its head surrounds a blue field containing thirteen stars.

grommet / grummet :
the metal ring or eyelet (typically of brass or nickel) that's set into the heading for mounting outdoor flags or banners; steel two-piece grommets were used around the time of the American Civil War until displaced by brass at the end of the 19th century, except for novel three-piece steel grommets (1880-1920).

ground :
the predominantly coloured foundation or background (field) of a flag.

guidon :
a small military flag, especially one with a forked or swallowtailed fly, that's carried as a guide for identification, marking, or signaling, especially by formations at or below the battalion level.

half-mast / half mast :
a manner of display that exhibits respect, as for the honored dead, or for mourning, executed by raising the flag to the top and then lowering it to half (or two-thirds, if the base of the flagpole is obscured) of its available height; also called half-staff.

half-staff / half staff :
the position of a flag approximately halfway up a flagpole; done in many countries as a sign of respect, mourning, or distress.

halyard :
any of various lines or tackles for hoisting a flag, signal pennant, or other object into position; derived as a corruption of "haul yard", as to raise or fix a spar into place.

heading :
a band or strip of heavily reinforced canvas (or similar material) that supports the flag or banner at its hoist or mounting end, and is often augmented with grommets.

herald :
an officer whose duty it was to proclaim war or peace or carry challenges to battle, and messages between sovereigns, but now concerned with armorial bearings, genealogies, installations, and the like, being ranked intermediate between a king-of-arms and a pursuivant; derived from "army commander".

heraldic banner :
a flag that primarily consists of heraldic arms overall, which doesn't display a coat of arms as an isolated charge or escutcheon.

heraldry :
term originally applied to the doctrine and practices of a herald, but now usually restricted to the lore of armorial bearings, formerly known as armory. [nb: a coat of arms or heraldic device used as a charge is sometimes called a badge, crest, shield, or emblem]

hoist :
the inner portion of a flag nearest to the staff; the vertical half of a free-flying flag that's opposite of the fly. Also, the vertical measure of a flag; the height of the flag measured from the top to the bottom along the staff edge. Also, the act or function of raising a mounted flag, as by a halyard on a mast or flagpole.

honor point :
the region on a flag where the color or charge with the greatest symbolism is situated, usually located at the upper left (dexter) corner, or in the center of the field.

house flag :
the flag of a corporation, organization, association, or personal identity, which does not signify nationality or citizenship; it's often flown by a merchant ship to identify the company that owns it.

individual flag :
used in the U.S. military to denote an officer's rank (ie: flag officer); properly known as a flag of command or command pennant.

indoor flag :
a flag of lightweight construction, with pole hem and fringe, used for interior display and infrequent parades.

inner border :
see bordered.

insignia :
a badge of authority or honor; a distinguishing mark or sign, a symbolic figure or emblematic decoration.

jack :
a small ensign positioned at the bow or prow of a ship, boat, or other watercraft, especially used to represent the nationality of a naval vessel when docked ... hence Union Jack or National Jack; this flag of identity is not necessarily in the same design as the national ensign, and may be entirely decorative on non-naval vessels.

jackstaff / jack staff :
a short flagpole situated at the bow of a vessel for the mounting or display of an ensign.

joint :
a coupling device for joining a sectional or pieced flagpole; when threaded, a screw joint.

jolly roger :
a flag showing a skull with crossed bones on a black field that originated as the "jolie rouge", a plain red flag.

length :
the distance of a flag measured straight from hoist to fly; the horizontal span of a flag along the side at right angles to the flagpole.

lower :
the act or function of bringing down a mounted flag, as by a halyard on a mast or flagpole.

lozenge :
a diamond-shaped heraldic charge, often narrower than tall.

marching right :
on the right of a formation; to the U.S. flag's own right ... when with other national flags, the U.S. flag is either positioned ahead or centrally.

marks of cadency :
the heraldic differences, from colors to charges, indicating the relationships among associated entities.

mast :
any upright pole, post, or support.

masthead pennant :
see commission pennant / commissioning pennant.

merchant flag :
see house flag.

metal / metallics :
in heraldry, the tinctures white or silver (argent) and yellow or gold (or) may not be laid upon themselves, nor colors overlaid upon themselves.

motto :
a word or phrase expressing the spirit or purpose of a group, organization, or state, often inscribed on a badge, banner, or the like; a maxim adopted as a guiding principle or as being representative of ideals.

national colors :
the authorized banner or official ensign of a nation, being a symbolic depiction that formally represents its land and people. Also, the national flag of the United States of America, which is typically decorated with fringe for display; also called Stars 'n' Stripes, Old Glory, Grand Old Flag, and the Star-Spangled Banner. [nb: national flags came into existence in Europe and North America during the 16th century to differentiate countries from the personal authority of national rulers; national flags tend to be composed of one or more of only seven basic colors: red, blue, green, yellow, white, black, and orange]

National Jack :
a small ensign positioned at the bow of a ship or other vessel.

obverse :
the right side or front face of a flag, flying from left to right, as if viewed by an observer with the flag flying from a flagpole on the left. [nb: except for some Islamic flags inscribed in Arabic, so as to accommodate script written from right to left, wherein the obverse is defined as the side with the staff or hoist edge to the observer's right, and the reverse as the side with the staff or hoist edge to the observer's left]

Old Glory :
nickname for the national flag of the United States of America; from an 1831 naval ensign protected against capture (and destruction) by William Driver in Nashville Tennessee during the American Civil War.

1-ply / one-ply :
a flag that displays correctly from the front, but is reversed (mirror image) from the rear; also called single-reverse.

order of precedence :
when describing the details of a flag, cited from top to bottom, hoist to fly.

organizational colors :
the flag borne by a color-bearing unit (eg: battalion, squadron, regiment, brigade, division, etc) charged with a coat of arms.

organizational flag :
a vertical or horizontal bicolor composed of the appropriate branch colors with the formation sign, as borne by a unit not authorized to carry organizational colors.

outdoor flag :
a flag of heavyweight construction, with grommets and heading, used for exterior display and parades.

outer border :
see bordered.

outrigger pole :
a flagpole mounted at an upward angle on the side wall of a building.

pale :
a square or rectangle in the center of a flag that covers half of the total length of the flag; a region set within designated limits or bounds. Also, a central vertical stripe in an heraldic escutcheon, which divides morality from immorality, propriety from impropriety, and dexter from sinister; as derived from stake or picket (fence).

parley flag :
a white flag or flag of truce.

paying-off pennant / paying off pennant :
a Briticism for a type of commission pennant that's flown from the masthead of any HM ship that's detached from its fleet in foreign waters so as to return home for paying-off; this long narrow streamer, flown from the main truck since before the Napoleonic wars, is displayed whenever entering a foreign harbor while enroute to their home port ... custom stipulates that the length of the streamer should equal the length of the ship as she leaves her station at the end of her normal tour, but lengthened if her tour has been extended (eg: a 480ft ship extended two months beyond her two year tour flies a 520ft pennant). [nb: sometimes hydrogen balloons were required to keep this streamer aloft] [re: Admiralty Seamanship Manual 1951]

pennant :
a long tapering flag or burgee, being originally symbolic of knighthood. Also, a flag serving as an emblem of victory or championship. Also, a small or tapering flag, differing in shape, size, proportion, manner of display, and is always secondary or subordinate to a flag.

pennon :
a distinctive flag in any of various forms; originating as a banner in the shape of an isosceles triangle that was borne on the lance of a knight. [v: pencel / pennoncel / pensil] [nb: knights in the Middle Ages carried tapering 'pennons', so when promoted to a higher rank, the tip of that knight's pennon was cut off (making it more squarish) and was called a 'banner', thenceforth the bearer was known as a "knight-banneret"]

pilot flag :
under the International Code of Signals, a signal flag (ie: letter 'G') is hoisted when approaching a port or harbor so as to request the services of a qualified local pilot; when underway, another signal flag (ie: letter 'H') replaces the request pennant to show that the ship is being mastered by a pilot. Before signal flags were used, a special white-bordered national ensign was flown (eg: Great Britain adopted a white-bordered Union Jack, called the "Pilot Jack" in 1822).

plain :
any flag without fringe; unornamented.

pole band :
at the hoist end of a flag, a reinforced canvas heading that's been left open at both ends so that the flagpole can be slipped through it for proper placement or positioning; also called 'sleeve'.

pole hem :
at the hoist end of a flag, a tunnel-like envelope, open at both ends, so that the staff can be passed through it for proper placement or positioning; of the same color and fabric as the background of the flag, this sleeve-like envelope serves to mount indoor and parade flags.

portepee / port-epee :
a knot of rope, corded tassel, or ribbon displayed on the frog or the scabbard's locket as an ornament, badge, or insignia; national colors may be displayed as well.

post flag :
a flag that's displayed at military and governmental installations, but is half the size (approximately 10ft by 19ft) of a garrison flag.

quadrisectional / quadrisectioned :
a flag divided into four equal sections, with each quarter called a 'canton', often with alternating colors or differing designs.

quartered :
a flag divided into four equal sections, with each part typically being of different designs; also known as 'quadrisectional'. [eg: Panama]

rally 'round the flag :
a patriotic cry for voluntary defense, being a refrain in the song "Battle Cry of Freedom" by George F. Root (1862); previously expressed as "rally under the flag" in an 1861 address by Stephen A. Douglas.

ratio :
the proportional relationship of a flag's length to its width (eg: France @2::3, Germany @3::5, Russia @1::2). [cf: golden mean]

red flag :
a notice of importance or a warning of danger that may be signified as "red banner" or simply marked as "flagged"; it formerly indicated "no quarter" but now cautions "danger". Also, a solid red signal flag that warns of potential harm from loading combustible fuel, transferring explosives, or firing weapons. Also, a solid red burgee designating the letter 'B' (Bravo) in the International Code of Signals. [nb: the so-called "Jolly Roger", featuring a skull with crossed bones on a black field, that was purportedly flown by pirates, as a declaration of "no quarter" and "non-alliance", originated as the "Jolie Rouge", a plain red flag] [nb: baucans (or bauccedillian) was a plain red streamer, flown from a ship's masthead, signifying that "no quarter" would be given; which antedates the "flag of defiance" or "colors of defiance", also known as the "bloody flag", a practice abandoned after 1800]

reeve :
to draw the halyard through the truck so as to raise or lower the flag.

regimental colors :
the distinguishing flag of a military formation, bearing the brigade's or regiment's designation, distinctive crest, and battle honors.

retainer ring :
a device used to assist in the raising and lowering of a flag on a flagpole.

retreat :
the flag lowering ceremony that ends or closes the working day with a bugle call and cannon shot; also known as "beating retreat" at sunset, which originated as a drum signal that recalled nearby troops to their castle or fortress to commence the setting of night watch schedules.

reverse :
the back side or opposite face of a flag, flying from right to left, as if viewed by an observer with the flag flying from a flagpole on the right. [nb: the U.S. Army mandates (AR670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia) the wear of an American flag patch on each sleeve of the field uniform (ie: BDU, ACU) 0.5" below the shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI), with the patches oriented to the viewer "as if the flag were flying", that is with the starred union forward, which causes the flag on the right sleeve (identified as the 'reverse side flag') to be displayed "backwards" according to the federal flag code; to compound this long-standing (since Bosnia and Kosovo) controversy, the Army is the only service branch doing so, and such wear was not so improperly directed in previous wars (eg: WWII) ... quibbles over a 'patch' not being a 'flying flag' are irrelevant, since the federal flag code cites "depictions" and "representations" in various passages about respectful display; and the Army can be responsive, as when changing the full-color patch to subdued on desert camouflage, but it declines to emend this heraldic error: a sinister imputation of our national symbol]

roped :
a large outdoor flag with a strong rope passing through its heading, which is then looped and secured at each end; the halyard of the flagpole attaches to these rope loops.

rope and toggle :
a nautical flag with a rope passing through the heading, which rope is looped at the top and attached to a piece of wood at the bottom.

run it up the flagpole :
a WWII-era catch-phrase ("Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.") proposing a trial run or trial balloon; it suggests trying a new idea or concept, a different formula or procedure, in order to discover support or resistance, benefit or detriment for the alternative option or plan.

safe conduct flag :
a white flag or flag of truce.

Saint Andrew's cross :
a saltire cross extending from corner to corner of the flag, forming an 'X'.

Saint George's cross :
a Greek cross with arms vertical and horizontal that extends to the edges of a flag.

saltire :
a diagonal cross extending from corner to corner of a flag, forming an 'X'; an heraldic charge formed by the crossing of a bend dexter and a bend sinister.

Scandinavian cross :
a Saint George's cross off-centered towards the hoist and extending to the edges of Nordic and Scandinavian flags (eg: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland); reminiscent of the Crusader cross from the 11th through the 13th centuries.

screen printing :
a method of printing by using a squeegee to force ink through an assembly of mesh fabric and a stencil; also called "screen process printing".

serration :
a flag where two colors are separated by a wavy line or serrated edge. [eg: Qatar]

shift colors :
to direct that the ensign be moved to its proper place, since a ship flys the colors from the masthead when underway, and hoists the stars 'n' stripes from the stern when at anchor or in port. Also, a phrase expressive of impending change, especially a change of status.

show the flag :
a demonstration of force or presence, as by a military unit exhibiting political intent. Also, slang for "making an appearance", as when a duty officer tours through his assigned post, or a superior officer inspects the troops and their equipment.

signal flags :
a set of distinctive flags, each representing a letter or number, that are hoisted so as to convey messages to ships and airplanes at sea, or to coastal installations and port authorities.

silkscreen :
a printing technique in which a mesh cloth is stretched over a heavy wooden frame and the design, painted onto the screen by tusche (resist dye) or affixed by stencil, is printed by having a squeegee force color through the pores of the material in areas not blocked out by a glue sizing; also called "silkscreen process" and "screen print", but formally known as "serigraphy" or "mitography".

single-reverse :
a flag that displays correctly from the front, but is reversed (mirror image) from the rear; also called 1-ply / one-ply.

single-sided :
a flag with the image only on one side; also known as 'single-faced'.

sinister :
pertaining to the side of an heraldic shield that's on the bearer's left; the right side of a flag to an observer ... being the bad/evil or negative portion.

sleeve :
a doubled-over and reinforced envelope of fabric (usually canvas), situated at the top or hoist end, being open at both ends, through which the pole or staff is slipped for proper placement or positioning; also called 'pole band'.

snap hook :
a spring-loaded device that's used to attach a flag to the halyard on a flagpole.

staff / flagstaff :
a flagpole for the mounting or display of a flag, guidon, ensign, jack, banner, streamer, pennant, burgee, or other colors; also called pole, stave, jackstaff, or mast, and derived from the pike or lance.

standard :
the national flag, particularly when borne on a moving horse or vehicle; an obsolete referent for the regimental flag borne by cavalry units. Also, a flag or emblematic figure used as a rallying point for an army, fleet, or the like. Also, any of various military or naval flags, especially one indicative of the presence of a high official. Also, a flag based upon an heraldic shield. [nb: the word 'standard' was introduced into the English language by the display of banners at the Battle of the Standard, fought between the English and Scots at Cowton Moor, near Northallerton on 22 August 1138, where David I, who was fighting on behalf of Matilda, was defeated by King Stephen's army under Thurstan, who was the archbishop of York, and Raoul, who was the bishop of Durham; the army erected a mast in a wagon that carried the banners of Saint Peter of York, Saint John of Beverley, and Saint Wilfrid of Ripon, surmounted by a pyx containing the Eucharistic Host]

Stars 'n' Bars :
the flag adopted by the Confederate States of America, especially the third battle flag featuring white stars arranged in a blue Saint Andrew's cross on a red field; also known as the Southern Cross.

Stars 'n' Stripes :
nickname for the national flag of the United States of America, consisting of thirteen horizontal stripes, alternately red and white, and a blue canton containing white stars representing the individual states; also known as Old Glory, Grand Old Flag, or the Star-Spangled Banner. [nb: "Resolved that the Flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Continental Congress; "We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty." George Washington] [nb: when the American flag is folded into a triangle, representative of the Colonial tricorne, the red and white stripes representing the blood and bones of sacrifice are buried within the blue constellation of heaven; which is the traditional configuration for funeral and retreat ceremonies]

Stars and Stripes Forever :
a patriotic song composed by John Philip Sousa (c1897) that was proclaimed the national march of the United States of America in 1987 by an Act of Congress; it is also known as "Three Cheers for the Red White and Blue".

[The] Star-Spangled Banner :
nickname for the national flag of the United States of America; as derived from a poem composed by Francis Scott Key during the defense of Fort McHenry, Baltimore Maryland, on 13-14 September 1814, and then set to music by John Stafford Smith; it was made the national anthem of the United States of America by a 1916 Executive Order and a 3 March 1931 Act of Congress.

state ensign :
a flag or banner, often displaying the country's coat of arms, that exhibits the nationality of a government vessel at sea.

state flag :
the official flag flown by the government of a sovereign country, which usually displays a coat of arms; this government flag may be differentiated from the civil flag, national flag, or war flag of a country. In countries (eg: United States of America, Australia, Mexico, etc) with sub-national units identified as 'states', these subordinate flags may be so labeled, and are always flown below the national flag.

stave :
a stick, rod, or pole used for the mounting or display of a flag or the like; also called flagpole, flagstaff, staff, jackstaff, or mast, and derived from the pike or lance.

storm flag :
the smallest size United States flag, being half the length and width of a post flag, which is intended for use above federal installations during inclement weather.

streamer :
a banner or pennon, burgee or guidon, often decorative. Also, a unit citation, campaign award, or battle honor in the form of a narrow swallowtailed ribbon that's suspended from the flagstaff near the finial of a standard or banner; this distinction was formerly lettered directly onto the face of the unit flag.

strike the flag :
to completely and permanently lower a flag, as in surrender, deactivation, or retirement; also expressed as "strike the colors".

stripe :
a solid band of color extending to at least one edge of a flag.

swallowtailed / swallow-tailed :
a flag with a field that's notched in a V-shape and a fly end having at least two points.

swastika :
a mystic sign, symbolic of "good fortune", that has been used as a charm since ancient times to ward off evil and bring well being, consisting of a cross with arms of equal length, each arm having a continuation at right angles in a uniformly clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Three Cheers for the Red White and Blue :
alternative name for the national march: "Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa (c1897).

trailing :
a rare method of saluting by use of a flag mounted on a flagstaff, wherein the pole is lowered until the flag just touches the ground, then returned to its original position ... as Practiced in some monarchies as a salutation to a royal member.

triangular :
see pennant, pennon, fanion, burgee, flank marker.

triangle :
a flag divided by a triangle of a different color, usually at the heading or hoist.

triband :
a flag composed of at least two colors and three stripes that are usually equal in size (eg: Canada, Peru, etc), which are arranged either horizontally or vertically.

tricolor :
a flag composed of three colors and three equally sized stripes that are arranged either horizontally (eg: Austria, Germany, Netherlands, and Lithuania) or vertically (eg: France, Nigeria, Italy, and Belgium).

truck :
the wooden or metal block, set at the top of an outdoor / in-ground flagpole, that houses the halyard pulley wheel, and above which an ornament is mounted.

2-ply / two-ply :
the flag is properly printed so that both sides read the same, then sewn together with a liner between.

union :
a design that symbolizes unity, which may appear at the canton, in the center, or over the entire field.

Union Jack :
a jack consisting of elements combined from the state ensign and the national flag. Also, an overall unity flag, such as the British national flag.

vexillator :
the banner-bearer in a mystery or miracle play.

vexillogram :
an illustrative image or design specification of a flag.

vexillographer :
an individual who designs flags.

vexilloid :
a rigid sign or panel that was carried on an upright pole, as those used by ancient Roman legions so as to identify separate units, being the forerunner of the modern banner or flag.

vexillological symbols :
symbolic notations representing the appearance or display of a flag, indicating such details as whether the design was officially adopted, the design is reconstructed from past observations, design is normal or de jure, design is de facto, design is variant or alternative, design is reverse or obverse side, reverse is mirror image of obverse, reverse and obverse sides are different, no element of design can be rotated, flag can only be hoisted vertically, and so forth.

vexillology :
the study of flags, their history and meaning, as coined by Whitney Smith of the Flag Research Center.

vexillophile :
a flag collector, or flag enthusiast.

vexillum :
a body of men grouped under one flag.

war ensign :
a flag or banner that exhibits the nationality of a military ship, especially when borne aboard a naval vessel at sea.

war flag :
the version of the national flag for use by a country's armed forces (eg: inversion of the Philippine Islands flag with the red segment above the blue segment when at war).

warning sign :
a yellow flag, solid red marker, or zebra-striped panel. [nb: the U.S. Coast Guard prescribes an orange flag bearing a white disk on a black square as an emergency signal for small craft; flying a flag or an ensign upside down, or tied in a knot (wheft / waft), has not been recognized internationally as a distress signal since the Vietnam-era]

war pennant :
see commission pennant / commissioning pennant.

wheft / waft :
a flag or an ensign tied in a knot and displayed as a signal of some emergency needing assistance; a practice now obsolete. [nb: flying a flag or an ensign upside down, or tied in a knot, has not been recognized internationally as a distress signal since the Vietnam-era]

white flag :
the symbol for mercy or surrender; any banner or flag used as a signal between warring parties, as an interruption of hostilities (truce), as an indication of willingness to negotiate or parley (eg: treaty terms, prisoner exchange, mercy missions, and the like), or as a sign of safe passage for representatives and inspectors through hostile territory; also known as a flag of truce, parley flag, safe conduct flag, or flag of protection.

width :
the height of a flag along the hoist; the vertical span of a flag down the side parallel to the flagpole.

yellow jack :
a solid yellow flag signaling quarantine; originating as a way to notify others of the presence of yellow fever (an infectious febrile disease). Also, a yellow flag or marker used as a warning or caution, which has since been displaced by a zebra-striped panel or solid red marker.





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