Glossary of Flag Terms

The following is a glossary of terms as they apply to the world of flags.

BADGE: Any distinctive emblem added to an existing flag which can generally be used seperately. (Like a coat of arms.)

BICOLOR: Flag whose field is divided horizontally, vertically or diagonally into two different colors.

BORDER: A wide band surrounding a field of a different color.

CANTON: A rectangular area in the top corner of a flag near the staff (hoist) or a rectangular field filling that area.

CHARGE: Any object placed on the field of a flag. Unlike a badge, the charge is usually not used separately.

CIVIL ENSIGN: The national flag flown on commercial and privately owned vessels. Also called a merchant flag.

CIVIL FLAG: The national flag flown on land by private citizens.

COUNTERCHANGED: Having two colors reversed on either side of a line across a flag or emblem.

COURTESY FLAG: The flag of a country being visited by a ship from a different nation, as flown by that vessel.

CROSS: Unless otherwise specified, a cross concentric with a flag, its arms extending to the edges of the flag.

DEFACE: To add a "badge" to an existing flag.

DEXTER: The right-hand part of a flag from the viewpoint of the bearer; the opposite of sinister.

DISC: A circular area of a single color used as a "charge".

DISTINGUISHING FLAG: The flag identifying an institution, military or naval service, or official. Generally used in addition to a national flag.

FIELD: The background color of a flag.

FIMBRATION: A narrow line of a contrasting color separating two areas of similar colors; not to be confused with "border".

FINIAL: The ornamental top of a flag staff.

FLY: The part of a flag farthest away from the staff and usually occupying that half of its area.

FOLK FLAG: A homemade NATIONAL FLAG of simplified design.

GOVERNMENT FLAG: State Flag

GREEK CROSS: A cross with equal arms.

HALYARD: The rope by which a flag is hoisted.

HOIST: The part of a flag nearest the staff; also a synonym for "width"; also to raise a flag.

HOUSE FLAG: The flag of a commercial organization.

LENGTH: The dimension of a flag measured from its hoist to the opposite extreme.

MERCHANT FLAG: The flag of nationality flown by merchant ships; also known as a Civil Ensign.

NATIONAL FLAG: A flag representing an independent state, especially a nation-state, but by extension the flag of formerly independent states and of nonindependent national groups.

OBVERSE: The side of a flag seen when the staff is on the viewer's left.

PARLEY FLAG: Plain white flag displayed during war to request negotiations.

PEACE FLAG: Any of a number of flag designs intended to symbolize peace, including a plain white flag, a national flag surrounded with a white border, and a flag incorporating the Peace Symbol.

REVERSE: The side of the flag seen when the staff is on the viewer's right.

SEMAPHORE: A system of signalling with two flags held in various positions.

SINISTER: The left-hand side of a flag from the bearer's viewpoint, or the right side as seen by the viewer.

STAFF: A cylindrical piece of wood or metal to which a flag is attached or from which it is hoisted; also called Pole or Mast.

STATE ENSIGN: The government flag flown on nonmilitary government vessels; often a basic design with special badges added for individual services.

STATE FLAG: The government flag flown on land over state (nonmilitary) property.

TRICOLOR: A flag whose field is divided horizontally, vertically, or diagonally into three different colors.

VEXILLOLOGY: The scientific study of all aspects of flags.

WIDTH: The measurement of a flag along its hoist.