Hierarchical Path: Seven Years War (Main Page) >> Armies >> Armies – Terminology used for flags
Description
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The main parts of a flag are illustrated below, with the English language terminology used:
- Cantons
- The four quarters of the field, numbered 1st and 2nd for the top hoist and fly quarters, respectively, and 3rd and 4th for the bottom hoist and fly quarters, respectively. Sometimes the word canton is used to refer to only the 1st canton (e.g. US practice).
- Centre Device
- Also called a badge or a charge, the main design on the flag.
- Corner Monograms
- Typical of many European flags of the time.
- Field
- The main cloth of the flag, which forms the background to the design. Called the Grundtuch or Tuch in German.
- Finial
- The metal or wooden top of the staff.
- Fly
- The half of the flag furthest from the staff.
- Fringe (not shown)
- An edging used on the top, bottom and fly edges of a flag.
- Hoist
- The half of the flag closest to, and attached to, the staff.
- Pike, Lance or Staff
- The staff to which the flag is attached. Pike is used to refer to the staffs carried by infantry, lance for those carried by cavalry.
- Primary Distinctions
- Centre devices, corner monograms and other badges.
- Secondary Distinctions
- Corner flames, crosses or other designs set on the field but under the primary distinctions.
- Streamers, Ribbons, Cords
- These are attached to the flag and may be used to display unit citations (ribbons or streamers), may be in the national colours (cords or ribbons) or may be in regimental colours (cords or ribbons). Usually made of the same cloth as the flag with heavy embroidery (ribbons or streamers) or twisted silk and metallic cords.
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References
Acknowledgments
Dal for the initial version of this article and for the accompanying illustrations
