Glossary of Flag Terms

Appliqué
A design in fabric that is sewn to the field of a flag.
Badge
A coat of arms or simple heraldic symbol, such as a shield.
Banner
A general term for a flag OR A large fabric piece attached to a long horizontal pole, held at both ends and inscribed with works, figures, geometric shapes, emblems, etc and carried in parades.
Bunting
Plain, open weave cotton or worsted wool fabric that is piece dyed and used for flags and decorations.
Canton
Any quarter of a flag but commonly means the upper hoist (left) quarter, such as the field of stars in the US flag.
Charge
A figure or symbol appearing in the field of a flag.
Cleat
The rope tie down point on a flagpole, used to secure the halyard of the flag to the pole.
Custom Flag
--A term typically referring to any decorative flag, feather flag or outdoor flags which are not state or military flags. i.e. – corporate logo flags, team flags, decorative flags.
Decorative Flag
--Referring to a flag used for decoration rather than a flag which bears any sort of symbolism associated with a state or military organization.
Emblem
A device often used as a charge on a flag. It may be heraldic in organ or modern for example the maple leaf on the Canadian flag.
Embroider
To make a design on fabric or to ornament around a design with needlework.
Feather flag
-- A feather flag or feather dancer is a decorative flag supported by a 8’-14’ flexible pole most often used as outdoor flags for advertising.
Field
The section of the flag between the hoist and the fly ends
Flag
An opaque object, usually flexible and made of cloth, displayed for the purpose of identifying a country, political subdivision, military or other organization, individual or to convey a message.
Fly
The half or edge of a flag farthest away from the flagpole. This term also sometimes refers to the horizontal length of a flag.
Gonfalon
Any flag that hangs vertically from a crossbar.
Grommet
An eyelet of firm material to strengthen or protect an opening or to insulate or protect something passed through it
Halyard
A rope or cable used to rise or lower a flag on a flagpole.
Hem
A border of a cloth article folded and stitched down.
Hoist
The half or edge of a flag nearest to the flagpole. This term also sometimes refers to the horizontal length of a flag. OR The act or function of raising a flag.
Length
The half or edge of a flag nearest to the flagpole. This term also sometimes refers to the vertical width of a flag.
Lower
The act or function of taking down a flag.
POW/MIA Flag
Flag designed as a symbol of citizen concern about United States military personnel taken as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action. The POW/MIA flag was created by the national league of families and officially recognized by the congress.
Single Reverse
Design is only printed on one side of the flag but shows through to the other side as a reverse image. The majority of flags are created this way, including most state and corporate flags. A single reverse flag is lightweight and economical.
Tail Feather Flag
--Outdoor flag typically used as an advertising flag, which is supported by a bend aluminum pole allowing the flag to remain open so that information of the flag face remains readable even on wind-less days.
Teardrop Flag
A feather flag or feather dancer is a decorative flag supported by a flexible pole and constructed so that the pole is forced to bend and create a sign face most often used as outdoor flags for advertising. Also, referred to as bow flags, blade flags and drop flags.
Truck
The truck is the cap at the top of a flagpole and may have holes to attach pulleys to raise and lower a flag.
Width
The span of a flag down the side parallel to the flagpole.