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New Zealand Flag Institute |
GLOSSARY
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ENSIGN -
A widely used
term, with subtly differing meanings: 1) A generic term
for any flag, but especially associated with naval flags of nationality. A
flag, banner, or standard showing office, rank, or nationality, especially of
an army or ship. (See CIVIL ENSIGN, NAVAL RESERVE ENSIGN, etc.). 2) The term
originally applied to the distinguishing flag of nationality at the poop or
stern of a ship. In addition the term is applied to a flag having the
characteristic design of an ensign, even if that flag is used on land. The
ensign may be the same flag used as the national flag, or a specially
designed version of the national flag. Nations may have one ensign or several
different ensigns which may be used by various types of vessels (naval/war,
state/government, civil/merchant, air force, army) as well as specially
designed flags for various organizations (yacht clubs, other pleasure craft,
customs vessels, coastal authorities, etc.), or indicating a status of a
ship's captain or crew (naval reserve). In some countries, the term ensign
includes flags not intended to be hoisted on vessels. 3) A flag with
the Union Flag in the first quarter. ENSIGN STAFF -
Is the staff at
the stern of a ship. ERMINE -
In heraldry, a fur. ESCUTCHEON -
A heraldic term
for a SHIELD. An escutcheon of pretence is a shield placed over another
shield ,i.e. the arms of Hanover comprised the shield of Hanover on the Royal
Arms of the United Kingdom. Ferrule -
The tubular portion of an ornament placed on the end of a flagpole to hold |