Breaking
A flag is said to be broken when it is allowed to break free at the top of a flagpole after having been furled and hoisted to the top of the pole.
Bunting
A loosely woven coloured fabric, traditionally wool but nowadays often polyester, used for flags and festive decorations.
Colours (maritime)
The flags of a ship.
Ensign
A term that denotes distinctive flags authorised for use by the Navy, the Air Force, merchant ships and pleasure craft. Also the term used for a flag with the Union Flag in the first quarter.
First Quarter
The upper half of the hoist and the place of honour in a flag; also called the canton and sometimes the upper hoist. The three other quarters are the second quarter - the upper half of the fly; third quarter - the lower half of the hoist (also called the lower hoist); and the fourth quarter - the lower half of the fly.
Flagpole
The pole on which a flag is hoisted; sometimes referred to as mast or flagstaff.
Fly
The half of a flag farthest from the halyard.
Gaff
A spar extending out from a flagpole.
Halyard
The rope by which a flag is raised and lowered.
Hoist
The half of the flag nearest to the halyard.
House flag
Originally a flag flown from a firm's ship, but now used to describe flags of companies, clubs, and other organisations.
Mast head
The top of the mast or flagpole; also called the peak.
Pike-staff
A pole with a decorative head to which a ceremonial flag is attached for carrying.
Position of honour
The place given to the highest ranking flag especially when carried.
Staff
The pole used to support a flag especially when carried.
Union Jack
The common name given to the British flag.
Yardarm
A spar slung horizontally across a flagpole.
