The New Zealand Flag
Glossary of terms relating to flags
Breaking - A flag is said to be broken when it is allowed to break free at the top of a flagpole after having been furled and hoisted to the top of the pole.
Bunting - A loosely woven coloured fabric, traditionally wool but nowadays often polyester, used for flags and festive decorations.
Colours (maritime) - The flags of a ship
Ensign - A term that denotes distinctive flags authorised for use by the Navy, the Air Force, merchant ships and pleasure craft. Also the term used for a flag with the Union Flag in the first quarter.
First Quarter - The upper half of the hoist and the place of honour in a flag; also called the canton and sometimes the upper hoist. The three other quarters are the second quarter - the upper half of the fly; third quarter - the lower half of the hoist (also called the lower hoist); and the fourth quarter - the lower half of the fly.
Flagpole - The pole on which a flag is hoisted; sometimes referred to as mast or flagstaff.
Fly - The half of a flag farthest from the halyard.
Gaff - A spar extending out from a flagpole.
Halyard - The rope by which a flag is raised and lowered.
Hoist - The half of the flag nearest to the halyard
House flag - Originally a flag flown from a firm's ship, but now used to describe flags of companies, clubs, and other organisations
Mast head - The top of the mast or flagpole; also called the peak.
Pike-staff - A pole with a decorative head to which a ceremonial flag is attached for carrying.
Position of honour - The place given to the highest ranking flag especially when carried.
Staff - The pole used to support a flag especially when carried.
Union Jack - The common name given to the British flag.
Yardarm - A spar slung horizontally across a flagpole