Illustrated Dictionary of Vexillological Terms

This is a new NAVA feature and is an on-going project. Corrections, contributions, suggestions, and comments should be sent to webmaster@nava.org.

      The Illustrated Dictionary of Vexillology differs from similar publications in two ways. First, it is inclusive instead of exclusive, since the science of vexillology is an inclusive science. Therefore I have included terms from other fields of study that have direct usage in the study, design, and analysis of flags. For example, flag makers are well aware of the damage the sun can do to a fabric; but how many of us are aware of how solar energy is calculated, and how those calculations are used to help develop better fibers? Second, the dictionary is being developed right under the gaze of those who would be most interested in its contents; NAVA members and other flag enthusiasts that visit this site. And because these people are asked to offer their suggestions they become a part of the development process.
     On the 20th of April, 2001, the Illustrated Dictionary of Vexillology became a two-volume work. This was done to facilitate loading on computer systems that could not heretofore accommodate the large amount of data contained in this work, and to make it available to people with older computer systems.
     We recently received a generous contribution of new terms, which we will be including in this work over the next few months; but we are far from through. I invite you to send your suggested entries to the E-mail address shown above, or to:

Contributions will be crossed checked for accuracy and may be edited to save space and decrease loading time. Thanks for your continued support and encouragement.

Accretion

Growth in size, as in an increase by accumulated matter. The term is used by textile conservation experts in describing dirt, damage, mildew, or other defects in the surface of a flag.

Advance the color

In military terms, to move the flag forward toward the enemy.

Advancing Color

In a dichromatic field, a three dimensional effect in which one color seems to be in front of another color. Optical scientists say that red advances before blue.

Agnus Dei

A symbol of the Lamb of God or Christ the savior (known as Jesus). Depicted as a lamb with a halo carrying a staff in its forearm with a swallowtail banner, bearing the emblem of a cross (Maltese, Botonee, or Fleury). The staff is topped with a cross-shaped finial. The symbol is used by many of the Christian faiths on flags, curtains, drapes, banners, and stained glass windows. (courtesy David K. Luke)

Allegory

In vexillological terms, a painting on a flag with symbolic meaning. Images that depict a scene of fancy, used to teach or announce a moral or political philosophy.

(Photo courtesy Richard R. Gideon Flags, SP)

Appliqué

noun: A design in fabric that is sewn to the field of a flag. verb: To apply a fabric design to a flag.

Arabesque

A braided ornamental interlacing pattern stitched on garments, flags, and banners to enhance, enrich, or embellish. The intricate pattern employs flowers, foliage, fruit, acorns, animals, or Nobel designs. Used by Arabians and Europeans during the medieval period. The braided rope that is sewn on fabric is often spangled in gold, silver, bronze, and adorned with tassels or an acorn knot. (courtesy David K. Luke)

Area

With respect to flags, the amount of surface as measured in square units such as square feet, square meters, etc. For example, a flag measuring 3 feet by 5 feet would consist in 15 square feet of area.

Armorial Banner

A term used to describe flags that have charge, coat of arms, or emblems placed on the flag field. In Europe these flags are almost exclusively square. (courtesy David K. Luke)

Arms

1. An emblem made of recognizable symbols that denote a country, state, political subdivision, or some other organized body. As an example, the Arms of the United States consists of an eagle clutching an olive branch in its right claw and arrows in its left claw. The motto "E Pluribus Unum" (out of many, one) is inscribed on a ribbon held in the eagle's beak. 2. In heraldry, armorial bearings of a family, consisting of figures and colors borne in shields, banners, etc., as marks of dignity, and descending from father to son. See "coat of arms."

Aspect Distortion

The effect of distance on the perception of aspect ratio (q.v.). For example, a flag with an aspect ratio of 1:1¼ may appear square at a distance.

Aspect Ratio

The ratio of the width (q.v.) of the flag to its length (q.v.). For example, a flag 36 inches along the hoist (width) by 60 inches from left to right (length) would have an aspect ratio of 1:1.67. In some circles the words height and width are substituted for width and length, respectively. Also, scientifically speaking, aspect may also use the width as the base reference, making the preceding example 1.67:1.

Backing

Material or surface on which a flag is placed for the purpose of stabilization or preservation. See "Blocked."

Badge

An emblem or design on the fly.

Banner

1) General term for a flag. 2) A large fabric piece attached to a long horizontal pole, held at both ends, and inscribed with words, figures, geometric shapes, emblems, etc., and carried in parades. 3) The small identifying flag of a Knight of the Middle Ages.

Battle Honor(s)

Defacing a flag by painting, embroidering, or appliquéing the names of battles at which the flag was present. A common practice of the 19^th Century.
(Portion of a Confederate battle flag - photo courtesy Richard R. Gideon Flags, SP)

Battle Streamer

Ribbons of fabric attached to a ring called a hallo, and attached just below the finial (q.v.) on a military staff. Names of battles, mission, campaigns, liberation, where the unit served with distinction are inscribed on the streamer. Some clubs and school also use streamers to identify achievement to their flags. (courtesy David K. Luke)

Beaufort Scale

A scale that measures the force of the wind in knots (KTS) as indicated by a numerical scale, ranging from 0-12, with 0 indicating calm, and 12 indicating hurricane wind speed equal to or greater than 64 KTS. The scale also describes weather conditions associated with wind speed. (courtesy David K. Luke)

Beaufort Scale	Wind Speed (KTS)	Effect
0	less than 1	none
1	1 - 3	Light air; flags begin to flutter
2	4 - 6	Light breeze; flags unfold
3	7 - 10	Gentle breeze; flags unfold and remain in flight
4	11 - 16	Moderate breeze; constant motion, shifting winds of +/- 30 degrees
5	17 - 21	Fresh breeze; flagpoles begin to sway
6	22 - 27	Strong breeze; halyard ropes begin to flap against flagpole; large flags replaced with storm flags
7	28 - 33	Near gale; large flags show signs of destruction; weather stations post storm warnings
8	34 - 40	Gale; violent winds; forecasters may post hurricane warnings
9	41 - 47	Strong gale; flags of all sizes show signs of destruction; take cover warnings
10	48 - 55	Storm; wide spread damage; structural damage to buildings; flagpole wind loading may be exceeded (usually 48 KTS)
11	56 - 63	Violent storm; storm flags removed; hurricane warnings posted
12	64 +	Hurricane; widespread devastation

Precipitation can occur at any point on this scale, precipitation almost always occurs at wind speeds of 22 - 27 KTS or greater, causing further damage. Storm flags are normally removed at Beaufort 11 in order to preserve the flag and flagpole from destruction. Hurricane ensigns are orange with a black square in the center; they remain posted as long as they are able, or until the wind speed drops below 64 Kts.

(Editor's note: The original Beaufort scale was developed as a gauge of force, and did not mention wind speeds. Developed in 1805 by British Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, the scale was meant to describe the state and behavior of a "well-conditioned man-of-war." Beaufort's numbering system was arbitrarily chosen, and based on his supposition that there were thirteen identifiable force conditions to which a man-o-war was susceptible. Each Beaufort number was accompanied by a description of the wind's effect upon the ship. Only later were wind velocities applied, and that in concession to terrestrial useage.)

Bed Sheet Flag

A flag of a plain field with the seal or coat of arms of a state or province placed thereon. Often used derisively.

Bend On

To attach signal flags to a halyard (q.v.).

Bill

A type of finial consisting of a broad hook blade and used by the English infantry in the 14^th and 15^th centuries.

Binary Color

In pigments, the color formed when adding equal parts of two primaries; i.e., yellow and blue form green.

Bleach

verb: To decolorize a fabric. noun: 1. A chemical used to decolorize a fabric. 2. The sun.

Blocked

Term used synonymously with backing (q.v.). verb form: To block; the act of placing a flag on its backing.

Bloom

A whitish appearance of paint caused by a breakdown or fracturing of the paint's components. Seen most commonly on the artwork of historic flags, or on old paintings.

Border

Fabric sewn around the edges of the flag.

Breadth

A unit of measurement describing the width of a bolt of fabric . Flag fabric was once sold in breadths 9 inches. In the 18th and 19th Centuries bunting (q.v.) was sold in breadths of 18 or 20 inches. Today, bolts of flag fabric may be 45 or 60 inches wide.

Breaking (a flag)

Canadian (military): The action of unfurling a flag which was bound in such a way as to be freed by a tug on its rope after being run close-up.

BSF

Building Site Flag. Refers to a plain field with a seal or logo in center. See LOB

Bunting (also spelled Buntine)

1. The traditional woolen material from which flags are made. 2. Any fabric used in flag making. Note: According to Grace Rogers Cooper, prior to 1866 all woolen flag bunting used in the United (and Confederate) States was of British origin. 3. Plain, open weave cotton or worsted wool fabric that is piece-dyed and used for flags and decorations (Industrial Fabrics Association International). From Middle English bonting.

Burgee

1) An identifying flag aboard ship; either triangular or swallowtail in shape. 2) Strictly, a flag or pennant that ends in a swallow-tail of two points.

Buttonhole Stitch

A tight loop stitch formed around the edges of a hole, making a reinforced edge.

Calendering

To press, smooth and set a gloss upon linen (Industrial Fabrics Association International)

Camblet

Late 18th century term for a variety of plain, woven, wool fabrics.

Canton

An area of the field of the flag, set apart by color or design, and located in the upper portion of the field along the attachment edge. As viewed from the "front," this would be the upper left. On the United States national flag it is sometimes called a Union.

Canvas

Tightly woven, coarse cloth. Typical fabric is cotton or linen (sometimes hemp), often unbleached, used for making hoists (q.v.) on flags.

Captain William Driver Award, The

A certificate bearing the recipient's name and a cash prize of US$250 awarded for the best paper presented by a member of the North American Vexillological Association at its annual convention. The award honors Captain William Driver, the man who coined the phrase "Old Glory" in referring to the U.S. flag. The award is sponsored by the National Flag Foundation.

Cased Colours

Canadian (military): Colours enclosed in the cases provided.

CAV

Computer Aided Vexillology; frequently used on the Flags Of The World web site.

Cendal

See Sendal

Chamomile, Golden

Herb, belonging to the family Anthemis tinctoria. The flower of the golden chamomile are used to make yellow dye.

Chapournet

From heraldry, a chief (q.v.) divided by a curved line.

Charge

From heraldry, that which is borne upon the color (q.v.).

Checky

A term used to describe a flag field bearing squares of alternating colors; also referred to as checkered. (courtesy David K. Luke)

Cheesecloth

A thin, lightweight, loosely woven carded cotton cloth in a plain weave. According to the Industrial Fabrics Association International, when dried the material is used as bunting (q.v.).

Chief

From heraldry, the upper third of the escutcheon (q.v.).

Cleat

The rope tie-down point on a flagpole, used to secure the halyard of the flag to the pole.
(courtesy David K. Luke)

Clip

The device used to attach a flag to the halyard (q.v.).

Close-up

Canadian (military): To raise a flag to the full height of its pole or halyard, with the head of the flag touching the block.

Coat of Arms

1) A shield marked with the insignia or designs of a person, family, institution, political territory, etc. See Arms. 2) Originally, a garment used to cover body armor. Soldiers would carry a hand shield with the King's Colours, or emblem of a group of people. (#2 courtesy David K. Luke)

(Pennsylvania Coat of Arms)

Cochineal

An insect found in the southern parts of America. The dried bodies of the female of the species are used to make red dye.

Color

1) A military term for a flag. Typically a "color" is used by the infantry and a "standard" (q.v.) is used by the cavalry. 2) Electromagnetic radiation detectable by the eye. Color is an important subject in the study of flags, as some colors are more easily seen than others.

Colour

CANADIAN (military): 1) A ship's ensign, Jack, and distinguishing flag or commissioning pennant; 2) the morning ceremony of hoisting the ship's ensign and Jack when not underway; 3) Consecrated ceremonial flags carried by Canadian Forces formations and units, including standards, guidons, Queen's colours, and command, regimental and college colours; 4) any flag flown to denote nationality.

Commission Pennant

A very long, ribbon like pennant flag with a huge aspect ratio, used to indicate that a ship has been placed into national service. These flags may reach up to 72 feet in length.

Complementary Color

Any two colors which together make white. Some examples are yellow and blue, red and cyan, and pure green and rose. Colors made from any pair of primary colors are complementary to the third primary.

Cord

1) Silk twines of multiple plies with tassels attached to the ends. The cord's middle section is usually tied to the finial. 2) In fabrics, a rib on the surface of a fabric - corduroy.

Cornet

A flag similar to a cavalry style guidon or unit standard, somewhat smaller in size, enabling the flag to be carried directly into battle. The word refers to an 18th century junior cavalry officer's rank.
(courtesy David K. Luke)

Courtesy Flag

The flag of a host nation flow from a foreign ship while that ship is in port.

Cravat

A special ribbon attached to the flag at the throat, used as an additional distinction or as a mark of honor, especially for Military Colors.

CYMK

An abbreviation standing for Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and blacK.

Also know as "four-color printing," these primary pigments may be combined to create any other color. Used extensively in silk-screening flags.

Damask

A firm, glossy patterned fabric with a Jacquard weave. The patterns are woven so that the "front" side usually has satin face designs which are reversed on the "back" side. In two-color damask the colors reverse on either side. Damask is similar to brocade but flatter and reversible; it may be linen, cotton, rayon or silk, or a combination of fibers. It is most commonly used for making table linen, draperies and upholstery. Another type of damask, called double damask, is woven with both ground and pattern in eight-shaft satin weave. It has a firm texture and is used for formal table linens.

Deface

1) To apply a design or device to a flag of an established motif. Defacing a flag does not in itself represent disrespect, although it may be done for that purpose. 2) Disfiguring or damaging a flag.

Denier

The weight of fabric in grams per 9,000 meters (Industrial Fabrics Association International). From an old French coin weighing .05 grams and used as a unit for measuring silk.

Device

An emblem or design on the field of a flag.

Divine Ratio (or Divine Proportion)

The ratio of two values arranged such that the smaller to the larger is the same as the larger is to the sum, and having the value of approximately .618. The reciprocal is approximately 1.618. In the figure at left, the ratio a/b is the same as b/(a+b). The exact value is (5^0.5 - 1) / 2, or 0.618033988749894848204586834365638... Noted by the ancient Greeks and used in their architecture, this ratio is employed in flag field design. A flag with a hoist length of 36 inches would be 58¼ inches (commonly rounded to 60 inches) along the fly. Also known as the Magic Ratio.

Ducapes

Cloth of a plain weave and high strength, used in the manufacture of women's garments.

Dye

A natural or man-made chemical, usually in liquid form, used to color cloth. Natural dyes come to us as animal, mineral or vegetable by-products, such as berry juice. Some common sources of natural dyes are herbs, such as the madder or indigo plants, shellfish, and certain insects. The first artificial dye was produced in England in 1856 by William Perkins. Called mauve analine, it was the byproduct of coal tar. During the mid and late 19th Century Germany was known for their superior dyes, particularly those in the blue spectrum. Recent innovations in dyes have produced what are know as reactive dyes (q.v.), which actually become part of the fiber's molecular structure and are highly resistant to fading.

Dyeweed

A small shrubby plant yielding a yellow dye.

Edging

See "Fimbriation"

Emboss

To produce a raised design on fabric surfaces. The process, called embossing, uses heated rollers with the design engraved into their surfaces, and rolled across the fabric's surface.

Embroider

To make a design on fabric, or to ornament around a design, with needlework.

Ensign

The flag of a nation, flown from the stern of a ship.

Ensign Staff

The staff or pole at the stern of a ship.

Escutcheon

1) A surface in the shape of a shield upon which a coat of arms is represented. 2) The symbol of one's birth and dignity.

Evolute

To unroll or unfold; said of a flag that has been rolled around a tube for storage.

Eyelet

A small hole, usually in the hoist of a flag, for receiving a rope, cord, or hook.

Fabric

Cloth constructed by weaving textile fibers into a network or web. Fabric may be natural or synthetic. Until approximately the middle of the twentieth century, natural fiber fabric was predominate in flag making. Traditional flag fabrics are wool, cotton, linen, and silk. The most commonly used synthetic fabrics are Nylon and Polyester. Flag makers select fabric based on cost, durability, resistance to fade, the ability of the material to accept a dye, and the ability of the material to stream in the breeze.

Felt

Non-woven woolen material made by pressing short wool fibers into a card of material. The process involves compression, heat, and moisture.

Ferrule

A metal tip placed at the bottom of a pole or staff. The ferrule was used to plant the pole into the ground.

Field

The basic area of the flag, or the basic colors and design of the flag. Also called Ground.

Finial

A decoration placed at the top of a pike (pole). Typical finials are balls, spears, or eagles.

(A spear finial)

Fimbriation

A narrow piece of fabric used to separate colors. Fimbriations are traditionally white or yellow. Also know as edgings. The rules of heraldry forbid the placing of color against color, and thus the fimbriation was used as a separator.

(Drawing courtesy Dr. Peter Orenski)

Flag

An opaque object, usually flexible and made of cloth, displayed for the purpose of identifying a country, political subdivision, military or other organization, individual, or to convey a message. Flags consist in material, shape, color, and design. Flags are products of the human condition, with symbolic meaning ascribed to them by their makers.

Flag Code, U.S.

The U.S. Flag Code is a set of standards (now located in title 4, United States Code, sections 5 to 10) of flag etiquette. There are no civil or criminal penalties for failing to follow the Flag Code's rules. The U.S. Flag Code does not legally supersede any state laws, city/county ordinances, or contracts (such as the rules of a homeowners association).

Flag Hoist

A group of signal flags attached to a halyard (q.v.) and raised as a unit.

Flash Collar

A decorative cover used at the base of an outdoor flagpole.

Flax

A plant with small narrow leaves, blue flowers, and slender stems. It grows to approximately 3 feet in height and resembles the oat plant. Fibers from the plant are used to make linen, a fabric used by flag makers for headers, appliqués, and sometimes for the flag body itself. Flax plants are pulled from the ground and spread across the field in order to absorb the elements until the plant pith is rotted. The plant is then dried in a kiln oven. The flax is then 'broken' using a special tool, and the woody fiber is removed. The remaining fibers are combed, and the best of the remaining material is spun into thread. Cultivating flax dates to antiquity.

Fly

1) The length of the flag as measured from the attachment to the farthest point. 2) The distance from the end of the canton to the free end of the flag. 3) The width (length) of an extended flag.

Fringe

Fabric strands, sometimes intermixed with metallic elements, usually arranged in a twisted pattern and sewn along the unattached edges of the flag.

Fuller's Earth

A clay used to give more body to textiles. It was discovered by John Olson in 1891 at Benson, Arkansas. "Fuller's earth" is not a proper name and, unless "fuller" comes at the beginning of a sentence, should not be capitalized.

Garrison Flag

The national flag flown at military installations. Garrison flags are quite large. In 1861 a US Army garrison flag measured 20 feet by 36 feet, while a garrison flag for the Confederate States' Army measured 18 feet by 28 feet. Under current US Army Regulations (AR 840-10) a garrison flag measures 20 feet by 38 feet.

Gonfalon

1) Any flag that hangs vertically from a crossbar. 2) A flag that hangs vertically from a crossbar and ending in streamers; especially flags of medieval Italian republics. (#2 courtesy David K. Luke)

EDITOR'S NOTE: The terms "Gonfalon" and "Gonfannon" do not seem to have a unique definition. After checking numerous reference works on the subject, it seems that both terms were used variously to describe 1) either the way a flag was attached to hang, or 2) a flag of a unique design, usually ending in streamers. Several encyclopedias also distinctly identify a gonfalon in ecclesiastic terms, without regard to either shape or attachment.

Gonfanon

1) Obsolete version of Gonfalon (q.v.). 2) Similar to a gonfalon, but used with two cross arms instead of one. The flag is attached to the top and bottom of the staff or pole. (#2 courtesy David K. Luke)

Gray Scale

A table of shading devoid of color, progressing from black to white. Used to evaluate color acuity and contrast. Flags using two or more colors may be checked for effectiveness by converting the colors to gray scale values and then checking to see whether adjacent details are discernible.

Grommet

A longitudinally bifurcated metal washer pressed onto the hoist (q.v.) of a flag, and used as an attaching point. Modern grommets are usually made of brass, but can be made of other metals.

Ground

See Field

Guidon

1) A swallowtail (q.v.), pennant, or other small flag usually carried at the front of an advancing military force and used for alignment, particularly a cavalry formation; 2) In the military, a soldier carrying such a flag.

Half Mast, flying the flag at

A custom of mourning. The custom originated as a sign that the invisible flag of death was flown above the flag at "half staff," which isn't half at all, but rather should be lowered to a point where such a flag would be if another flag the same size was flying over it.

Halyard

A rope used for hoisting or lowering a flag.

Hank

A specified length of thread. A hank of cotton thread contains 840 yards; a hand of worsted yarn contains 560 yards.

Harmonic Color

In terms of electromagnetic radiation, a color whose frequency is some whole number multiple of another color's frequency. For example, a particular shade of red has a frequency of 375 Trillion Hertz. The second harmonic would be 750 Trillion Hertz, resulting in blue. In practical terms, most harmonics are outside of the visible light spectrum, leaving red and blue as the most common visible harmonic combination. (The term "light" extends to vibrations well outside those that the human eye can detect. Infrared (q.v.), which is below the color red in the visible light spectrum, is still considered light, although it is felt as heat rather than seen by the human eye. Ultraviolet (q.v.) is light above the visible spectrum.) A color and its harmonic are generally possessed of a pleasing affinity for one another.

Headstick

British (NAVY) - A stick sewn into the top of the sleave or heading, above the inglefield clip, of flags worn on Ensign or Jack staffs or at mastheads to permit the head of the flag to touch the truckhead or pulley block in order to improve the appearance of the flag. (edited for clarity - HWO). [See page xi flags of all nations BR20 London: HMSO]

Hem

1) noun: A smooth fabric edge formed by turning the raw edge under itself and sewed down. 2) verb: The act of creating a hem.

Hoist

1) noun: That edge of the flag that is attached to a pole or other restraining device; 2) verb: To raise a flag to the top of the pole.

Horizontal Polarization

1) The position of the sections of the field, or a device, on a flag that is predominately horizontal. For example, the national flag of Russia is a tri-bar with each bar being horizontally polarized. 2) Where the aspect ratio of a flag favors the length along the fly.

Honor Position

In flag protocol (q.v.), the position of highest respect given to a flag. Generally, this applies to flags of nationalities when they are flow in combination with each other. The host country's flag is given the honor position. Traditionally, the honor position is determined as follows: 1) Of flags of equal size and flown at equal height, the honor position is to the flag's own right (to the observer's left); 2) Of unequal heights, the honor position is the highest; 3) If crossed with another flag, the honor position is on the observer's left. (Photo courtesy Ambassador Lapel Flags, a division of TME Inc.)

House Flag

Flag of any design or form used to identify a commercial firm; especially shipping or air lines. [Also known as a Corporate Flag.]

Humidity

Water vapor suspended in the air. Water vapor is a gas which, under the proper circumstances, may condense into water droplets; a concern to textile conservationists. See Relative Humidity

Impale

A heraldry term meaning to divide in two vertically. Flags that are impaled have different designs placed on each half. See Pale

Indigo

A plant used to make natural dye of a blue color.

Infrared

Color below the visible light spectrum's red end, and which cannot be seen by the human eye. Infrared light is perceptible, however, because it transmits heat. In the science of textile conservation infrared energy is one of several components measured.

Inverse Square Law

A mathematical statement showing that the intensity of illumination from a light source varies inversely as the square of the distance from the source; i.e., I = 1/d², where I = intensity as a fraction of the original value and d = distance. For example, the intensity of light two meters from its source is ¼ the value at one meter. This formula may be used to determine the best place to position a light to illuminate a flag in a museum display, providing a reasonable view of the object yet limiting light damage to fibers.

Jack

A nationality flag flown from a navel war vessel while it is in port. It is flow from the bow of the ship.

Jackstaff

The staff or pole upon which the Jack is attached, located at the bow of a ship.

Jolly Roger

The traditional "Jolly Roger" is associated with the pirates of the Atlantic seaboard and Caribbean in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. There were actually many different pirate flags at the time, only a few of which resemble the common "Skull and Crossbones" that we know today. It is believed the name "Jolly Roger" is derived from the French "Joli Rouge" which means the Red cloth. Early records indicate that the red flag was often flown by pirates as meaning "No Quarter Given."

Kamala

A powder obtained from an East Indian tree, used to make an orange-red dye for silk and wool.

Kaolin

A fine, white clay used in making porcelain, but also used as a filler in textiles.

Kermes

A red dye made from the dried bodies of the females of the scale insect Coccus Ilicis; found in the region of the Mediterranean sea.

Khaki

1) A strong twilled wool or cotton fabric, often used to make military uniforms. 2) A dull, yellow-brown color.

Length

The physical measurement from the attachment side to the fly end, or from left to right. Although the word "length" is most commonly used to describe this measurement, there is not universal agreement.

Linen (also, Linnen)

Fabric made of flax (q.v.). Note: In some usages, artifacts made of cotton that heretofore would have been made of linen fabric.

LOB

Logo on Bed sheet. Flags Of The World usage; refers to a plain field with a seal or logo in center. William Crampton coined the phrase, although sometimes he used BSF (Building Site Flag) for the same meaning. See also Bed Sheet Flag

Logwood

A natural dye used primarily with wool and silk. It colors the fabric deep black.

Madder

An herb, the root of which is used to make a natural red dye.

Magic Ratio

See Divine Ratio

Mercerize

To treat cotton thread (or other cotton textiles) with a caustic alkali, resulting in a silky appearance and better adhesion of dyes. The process is credited to Englishman John Mercer (1791 - 1866). Thread so treated may be used to draw an inference as to the date of flags. Thread made prior to the process, or not so treated, is said to be unmercerized.

Merchant Flag

A flag that identifies, and is flown from, a merchant ship.

Mordant

A substance used in dyeing to fix the coloring matter.

Mullet

A rowel of a spur having five points. Today it is more commonly referred to as a star (q.v.).

Muslin

A class of cotton fabric woven in a firm, plain weave. One of the oldest of cotton textiles, muslin comes in a variety of weights. It was often used in the 19th Century for appliqués on flags, or as basic flag material.