flag of convenience noun

A foreign flag under which a shipping company registers its tonnage to avoid taxation or other burdens at home

flag of distress noun

A flag displayed by a vessel as a signal of distress, usu upside down or at half-mast

flagˈ-officer noun

A naval officer privileged to carry a flag denoting his rank of admiral, vice-admiral, rear-admiral or commodore

flag of truce noun

A white flag displayed during a battle when some peaceful communication is desired

flagˈpole, flagˈstaff or flagˈstick noun

A pole, etc for displaying a flag

flag rank noun

The rank of a flag-officer

flagˈship noun

1. The ship carrying an admiral and flying his flag
2. Anything of great importance or pre-eminence (figurative; also adjective)

flagˈ-wagging noun

1. Signalling by flag
2. Aggressive patriotism or imperialism (also flagˈ-waving)

flagˈ-waver noun

flagˈ-waving adjective

Serving merely to show (superficial) support for or allegiance to eg a nation or a political party

black, red, white and yellow flag see under black, red¹, white and yellow respectively.

dip the flag

To lower the flag and then hoist it as a token of respect

flag down

To signal (eg a taxi) to stop

flag up

To draw attention to

show, carry or fly the flag or keep the flag flying

1. To (continue to) show support for or allegiance to one's own country, organization, etc
2. To put in an appearance or otherwise ensure that one, or the nation, firm, etc one represents, is not overlooked

strike or lower the flag

To pull down the flag as a token of relinquishment of command, or in respect, submission, or surrender