New Zealand Flag Institute

GLOSSARY

 

 

 

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warship. See BROAD PENNANT.

2) A small flag born at the head of a cavalry lance. Primarily decorative, it is also said to have been originally intended to absorb a victim's blood and prevent it from making the lance it too slippery to control.

 

PIECING -

A method of manufacturing a flag by sowing different pieces of material edge to edge. Generally used for simple flags.

 

Pike-staff -

A pole with a decorative head to which a ceremonial flag is attached.

 

Pilot flag -

This is flown from a ship that requires the aid of a pilot when entering port. Before the International Code of Signals was established many maritime countries adopted the practice of using their national (not merchant) flag with a white border as a signal meaning "I require a pilot". The United Kingdom adopted a white-bordered Union Jack (the "Pilot Jack") in 1822. Today the Pilot Flag ins the International Code of Signals "G" flag (six vertical stripes of three yellow and three blue alternating). Ships under pilotage fly "H" (white and red vertically).

 

PILOT'S FLAG -

The flag flown by a pilot either on his way to a ship or while he is piloting the ship.

 

PILOT JACK -

A PILOT’S FLAG.

 

Plain -

A flag without a fringe.