New Zealand Flag Institute

GLOSSARY

 

 

 

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A civil ensign is a flag flown at the stern of private (non-government) ships. The Civil Ensign may differ from the NATIONAL FLAG, though is some countries it is the same. Also called the merchant flag. The United Kingdom Merchant Naval ensign is the RED ENSIGN, also known as MERCHANT ENSIGN.

 

CIVIL FLAG -

Some countries limit the use of the national or state flag to the government service, military, or to the Sovereign. Often a separate flag is prescribed for the use of the people.

 

Cleat-

 The device used to secure the bottom of a flagpole halyard (rope) .

 

COAT OF ARMS -

The popular term for either an ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMS, or simply for a SHIELD.

 

COLOUR/COLOURS-

The plural "colours" is more often used, even when talking of a single flag. The name derives from the colours (plural) comprising the FIELD of the flag. There are several usages for the term colour(s):

1) In heraldry, any tint which is not a METAL. There are five principle colours used: gules (red), azure (blue), vert (green), sable (black), and purpure (purple). A fine line of metal can be used to separate two colours (i.e. the red stars on the New Zealand flag). See METAL.

2) A consecrated flag carried by a military unit for unit or national identification. Military forces following the British tradition usually possess two unique colours, one of the national or royal flag (i.e. the Queen's (or King's) Colours), and the other representing the unit itself (i.e. the Regimental (or Company, Battalion, etc.) Colours).

3) A colour, used by infantry or foot units, as distinct from a standard, used