New Zealand Flag Institute

GLOSSARY

 

 

 

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Length -

The dimensions of a flag may be measured form the hoist to the end of the fly.

 

LYMPHAD -

A heraldic stylised ship. Often used on the arms of a maritime country. Also on the flag of the Province of New Brunswick.

 

MANTLING -

A stylised decoration resembling vegetation or drapery and placed over the helmet on an ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMS. Originally, the mantling was a cloth used as a sunshade over a knight's helmet.

 

Mast head -

The top of the mast or flagpole; also called the peak.

 

MASTHEAD PENNANT -

Same as COMMISSIONING PENNANT.

 

MERCHANT FLAG -

A flag flown by a merchant ship. The same as CIVIL ENSIGN.

 

MERCHANT JACK -

A flag flown at the bow of a merchant ship. The white-bordered Union Jack, was for many years used as a signal to call pilots, was often used unofficially as a merchant jack.

 

Metal -

In heraldry, the colours yellow (or) and white (argent) representing gold and silver respectively. The rules of heraldry forbid placing colour against (on) colour, or metal on metal. However a fine line of metal can be used to separate colours. See METAL.