Flag terminology is the nomenclature, or system of terms, used in vexillology, the study of flags, to describe precisely the parts, patterns, and other attributes of flags and their display.
Generically, a synonym for a flag of any kind, and in heraldry specifically, a square or rectangular flag whose design is identical to the shield of a coat of arms; also denominated a banner of arms.
A version of a national flag that represents and may be restricted in use only to the national government and agencies thereof; the design of many state flags consists of the civil flag (see above) defaced with a coat of arms or other heraldic charge.
A figure or symbol appearing in the field of a flag.
Emblem
A device often used as a charge on a flag. It may be heraldic in origin or modern, for example the maple leaf on the Canadian Flag.
Field
The background of a flag; the color behind the charges.
Fimbriation
A narrow edging or border, often in white or gold, on a flag to separate two other colors. For example the white and gold lines of the South African Flag.
Finial
A decorative or protective cap atop the flagpole. Often shaped like a sphere, but can also be a shape with heraldic significance, such as a spear or an eagle. Sometimes referred to as a capper.
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.
A style of flag display where the flag is flown at least the width of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the pole. Typically used as a display of mourning or rememberence.
Hoist
The act or function of raising a flag, as on a rope.
Lower
The act or function of taking down a flag, as on a rope.
Illustrations
Flag illustrations generally depict flags flying from the observer's point of view from left to right, the view known as the obverse (or "front"); the other side is the reverse (or "back"). There are some exceptions, notably some Islamic flags inscribed in Arabic, which is written from right to left; for these the obverse is defined as the side with the hoist to the observer's right.
^For example, 36 US Code§176 provides: "The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."
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