Glossary of vexillology

Flag terminology is the nomenclature, or system of terms, used in vexillology, the study of flags, to describe precisely the parts, patterns, and other attributes of flags and their display.

Description of standard flag parts and terms

Basic patterns in flags

Flags often inherit traits seen in traditional European heraldry designs and as a result patterns often share names.

Flag of Sri Lanka

Flag of Sri Lanka

Flag of Taiwan

Flag of Taiwan

Flag of Panama

Flag of Panama

Flag of Switzerland

Flag of Switzerland

Flag of Georgia

Flag of Georgia

Flag of Denmark

Flag of Denmark

Flag of Guinea

Flag of Guinea

Flag of Germany

Flag of Germany

Flag of Bhutan

Flag of Bhutan

Flag of the Philippines

Flag of the Philippines

Flag of South Africa

Flag of South Africa

Flag of Scotland

Flag of Scotland

Techniques in flag display

Illustrations

Flag illustrations generally depict flags flying from the observer's point of view from left to right, the view known as the obverse (or "front"); the other side is the reverse (or "back"). There are some exceptions, notably some Islamic flags inscribed in Arabic, for which the obverse is defined as the side with the hoist to the observer's right.

Flag

A flag is a piece of fabric (most often rectangular or quadrilateral) with a distinctive design that is used as a symbol, as a signaling device, or as decoration. The term flag is also used to refer to the graphic design employed, and flags have since evolved into a general tool for rudimentary signalling and identification, especially in environments where communication is similarly challenging (such as the maritime environment where semaphore is used). National flags are potent patriotic symbols with varied wide-ranging interpretations, often including strong military associations due to their original and ongoing military uses. Flags are also used in messaging, advertising, or for other decorative purposes. The study of flags is known as vexillology, from the Latin word vexillum, meaning flag or banner.

Due to the use of flags by military units, "flag" is also used as the name of some military units. A flag (Arabic: لواء) is equivalent to a brigade in Arab countries, and in Spain, a flag (Spanish: bandera) is a battalion-equivalent in the Spanish Legion.

Flag (disambiguation)

A flag is a colored cloth with a specified meaning.

Flag may also refer to:

Art and entertainment

Biology

Flag is the common name of several genera or species of flowering plants:

Flag (lighting)

A flag is a device used in lighting for motion picture and still photography to block light. It can be used to cast a shadow, provide negative fill, or protect the lens from a flare. Its usage is generally dictated by the director of photography, but the responsibility for placing them can vary by region, usually devolving to either the gaffer and electricians or the key grip and lighting grips.

Flags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from mere square inches ("dots and fingers") to many square feet ("meat axes"). Most "industry-standard" flags consist of a square wire frame stitched with black duvetyne, which minimizes any reflected light and keeps the flag lightweight. Flags are distinguished from larger light-cutting tools such as overhead rigs or butterflies in that they can be mounted on individual C-stands, as opposed to being affixed to collapsible frames.

The above notwithstanding, given smaller budgets or extenuating circumstances, virtually any opaque object can be used to flag light.

Hoist

Hoist may refer to:

See also

Hoist (motion)

A hoist motion is used in Canadian legislative bodies to cause a bill not to be read now, but six months hence, or any number of months hence. In the House of Commons, if a hoist motion is adopted, it has the effect of defeating the bill.

References

Hoist (mining)

In underground mining a hoist or winder is used to raise and lower conveyances within the mine shaft. Modern hoists are normally powered using electric motors, historically with direct current drives utilizing solid-state converters (thyristors), however modern large hoists use alternating current drives that are variable frequency controlled. There are three principal types of hoists used in mining applications:

Drum hoist

Drum hoists are the most common type of hoist used in North America, South Africa and South America. When using a drum hoist the hoisting cable is wound around the drum when the conveyance is lifted. Single-drum hoists can be used in smaller applications, however double-drum hoists easily allow the hoisting of two conveyances in balance (i.e. one skip being lifted while a second skip is being lowered). Drum hoists are mounted on concrete within a hoistroom, the hoisting ropes run from the drum, up to the top of the headframe, over a sheave wheel and down where they connect to the conveyance (cage or skip).