New Zealand Flag Institute

GLOSSARY

 

 

 

Go to home page

Go to next page

HERALDRY -

A system of identifying people and institutions by means of devices placed upon a SHIELD. This is often accompanied by the use of other symbolised elements derived from the armour and equipment of a medieval knight, i.e. helmet, crest, mantling, and supporters, to make the complete ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMS. Although the use of flags predates heraldry, flag design has been strongly influenced by heraldry. Most flags adhere to the established rules of heraldry.

 

Hoist -

That part (usually taken to mean half) of the flag closest to the staff or halyard. The term is also sometimes used for the vertical width of a flag.

 

HonoUr Point -

The place on a flag where the colour or charge with the greatest importance or symbolism is placed - almost always the upper left (first quarter or canton).

 

House flag -

Either:

1) Originally a flag flown from a firm's ship, but now used to describe flags of corporations or personal flags, including those of companies, firms, clubs, and other organisations, or even individuals. Often flown by a merchant ship to identify the company that owns it.

2) Any flag which does not signify nationality or citizenship.

 

Individual Flag -

In military usage, a flag denoting an officer's rank.

 

Indoor Flags -

Flags constructed primarily for indoor display, or temporary use (including outdoor parade), with a pole hem, and usually fringed.