New Zealand Flag Institute

GLOSSARY

 

 

 

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Fly -

The free end of a flag farthest from the halyard and the staff. The term is also used for the horizontal length of the flag.

 

Fly End -

The free-flying end of a flag, usually opposite the heading.

 

Fringed -

A flag with decorative fringe around all or part of its perimeter.

 

Front -

The surface seen when a flag is in its normal flying position with the hoist to the viewer's left. (The "back" is the reverse).

 

FUR -

In heraldry, can be either ERMINE or VAIR.

 

Gaff -

A spar extending out from a flagpole.

 

Garrison Flag -

A very large flag flown over military posts and forts. Most commonly refers to flags 8' x 12' and larger. In the United States Army, a garrison flag flies over military posts on holidays and special days. A garrison flag is now 20 feet (6 m) wide by 38 feet (12 m) long, twice as wide and long as a post flag. The "Star Spangled Banner" flown over Fort McHenry in Baltimore was 30' x 42'.

 

GOLD -

Known in heraldry as OR. Also sometimes described as yellow.