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Dictionary of Vexillology: F (Flag - Flag Mast)

Last modified: 2010-01-02 by phil nelson
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FLAG
1) Generically, any piece of cloth (occasionally paper, plastic or metal) usually with provision for attaching by one edge to a staff or halyard, generally (but not exclusively) intended to fly freely in the wind, and which by displaying the colours and/or the charges upon it, to act as a mark of identity, rallying point or signal.
2) See �flag down, to�.

Please note with regard to 1) however, that the above is not meant to be in anyway exclusive, that flags are divided into many different categories by their shape, function and/or design, and that these are accordingly listed separately herein.

FLAG ADJUTANT
In US Navy and some other usage, the title carried by the aide to a flag officer � the loop or loop � but see �flag lieutenant� (also �flag officer 3)�).
FLAG ARMS
A term used when the arms that appear on a flag are officially different from the relevant national or provincial coat of arms or emblem (see also �armorial bearings� and �coat of arms�)

flag arms of Peru national arms of Peru flag arms of Saxony Germany provincial arms of Saxony Germany
From left: The Flag Arms and National Arms of Peru; The Flag Arms and Provincial Arms of Saxony, Germany (fotw)

FLAG BADGE
See �lapel flag 1)�.
FLAG BAG
In US Naval usage, a colloquial term for the bridge locker in which signal flags and ensigns etc are stored (see also �flags 1)� and �signal flag�).
FLAG BELT
A leather strap worn around the waist and neck, with a supporting leather socket into which the bottom end (or foot) of the staff is fitted, and which assists a marching standard/colour bearer to support its weight � a colour belt or sling (see also �colour bearer�, �pike�, �staff 2)� and �standard bearer�).
FLAG BOOK (or FLAGBOOK)
A collection of flag images and/or of flag information illustrated with such images, that is published in book form or as a loose-leaf folder (see also �flag chart� and �flag plate�).
FLAG BURNING
The wanton destruction of a flag by public burning, usually (but not exclusively) for political motives (but see also �rules of preservation and disposal� in �Appendix II�).
FLAG CANTON
See �canton flag�.
FLAG CARRIER
1) An airline � and in the past also a shipping line � that is considered to represent the nation concerned and whose aircraft will usually carry a representation of the national flag (see also �national flag�).
2) An airline or shipping line whose aircraft or ships are registered in a given country and entitled to fly or display its flag.
FLAG CHARGE
A charge placed specifically on the field of a flag (see also �charge�).
FLAG CHART
A collection of flag images produced on a single sheet, that is displayed fully opened out and often rolled up or folded for storage (see also �flag book� and �flag plate�).
FLAG CODE
A set of protocols to govern the correct and respectful usage of the national flag. In some countries these are enforceable by law, but in others they remain recommendations only � see Appendix II (also �flag etiquette�, �flag law�, �rules of respect� and �position of honour�).
FLAG DAY (or FLAG WEEK)
1) A holiday, commemorative day or other period of time for the affirmation of patriotic values expressed in and through the national flag (see also �flag flying days� and �national flag�).
2) In UK usage, the term that describes a charity event during which donations are acknowledged by the receipt of a paper flag (see also �flag flying days� and �lapel flag 2)�).
FLAG DESIGN COMPETITION
A competition (either official or unofficial) that invites designs from which a new or replacement flag may be selected - usually by a committee appointed for that purpose ( see also �ausflag� and �flag proposal�).
FLAG DISC (or DISK)
In the British Royal Navy and in some others, an (appropriate) metal disc displayed on boats carrying an officer of flag rank to indicate whether that officer expects full ceremonial passing honours, or whether they are proceeding informally and only require normal side party salutes (see also �boat flag 3)�, �flag officer� and �royal plate�).

flag disc
From left: Alert and Salute only; Courtesy Salute Only, RN (Graham Bartram).

FLAG DISCRIMINATION
The often legal requirement for shippers to choose the national flag carrier, airline or shipping company over others (particularly but not exclusively foreign lines) when shipping goods or transporting people (see also �flag carrier�).
FLAG DOWN, TO
(v) To signal a vehicle to stop or slow down as a warning of danger or obstruction on a road or railway, by waving a (usually) red flag, slowly up and down, or by using only the hand by day or torches by night in similar fashion (see also 'flag').
FLAG ETIQUETTE
The international customs applicable to the display of flags when flying together � see �Appendix II� and 'rules of etiquette' (also �flag code�, �flag law� and �position of honour�).
FLAG EXCHANGE
A term � and a direct translation of the German flaggenwechel � used to describe the point during the fitting out of a vessel when the builder�s house flag is replaced with that of its new owners (see also �launching flags�).
FLAG FAMILY
A group of flags that share a common heritage or feature, usually shown in either the colours used or the design employed, or in both (see also �core flag�, �difference�, 'pan-African Colours', 'pan-Arab Colours' and 'pan-Slavic Colours').).

Gran Columbia Venezuela Ecuador Presidential Flag of Columbia
A Flag of Gran Columbia 1819 - 1830 (fotw); Civil Flag/Ensign of Venezuela (fotw); Civil Flag/Ensign of Ecuador (fotw); Presidential Flag of Columbia (fotw)
FLAG FLYING DAYS
An official list of occasions upon which flags must be flown, generally (but not exclusively) from public buildings (see also �flag day�).

Please note that the list of flag flying days usually refers only to the relevant national flag, but that there are several exceptions.

FLAG LAW (or LEGISLATION)
The legal means, by which any constituted authority establishes, regulates, defines or amends a flag (see also �Appendix II�, �flag code�, �flag etiquette�, �official flag 1)�, �precedence�, �position of honour�, �specification sheet� and �type flag/a>�).
FLAG LIEUTENANT
In British RN and some other usage, the title carried by the aide to a flag officer - but see �flag adjutant� (also �flag officer 2)�).

Please note that the title derives from that officer�s former principal responsibilities (now superseded by modern communications methods) for the handling of an admiral�s flag signal traffic.

FLAG MAST (or FLAGMAST)
See �flag pole� (also �mast�, �pole mast�, 'staff 2)' and �stayed mast�).

Please note that the terms flagstaff, flag mast and flag pole may be considered as interchangeable, but that �mast� and �staff� when used alone have specific meanings.

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