New Zealand Flag Institute

GLOSSARY

 

 

 

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The science of studying the history, meanings and symbolism, and usage of flags. Also, by extension, any interest in flags. Someone who studies flags is a 'vexillologist', and the adjective is 'vexillological'. The name comes from the Latin word vexillum (“flag”). The word was coined by Dr. Whitney Smith of the Flag Research Centre in the 1950’s. Despite the recent origin of the term “vexillology”, the Latin root is used in other contexts, thus the 'vexillator' for a banner-bearer in a mystery or miracle play, and 'vexillum' in botany for the large external petal of a legume flower.

 

VICE-REGAL FLAG -

See GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S FLAG.

 

WAR ENSIGN -

The NATIONAL FLAG flown on armed vessels; also called the NAVAL ENSIGN.

 

WAR ENSIGN -

See Battle Ensign. Another name for Battle Flag, and War Flag.

 

War ensign -

A flag flown by a naval vessel. See ENSIGN.

 

WAR FLAG -

See Battle Ensign. Another name for Battle Flag, and War Ensign.

 

WAR FLAG -

A flag flown over camps and other military establishments on land. It is often the national flag. When a different design, it is often used in conjunction with the STATE FLAG.

 

War Pennant -

See COMMISSIONING PENNANT.