Like the study of insects is named entomology, and that of gypsies is called tsiganology, the study of flags is vexillology [vexillum = flag/banner (Latin) + logia = study (Greek)].
Like many domains of study, vexillology has its own vocabulary of technical terms and jargon that is used as a form of shorthand in referring to various aspects related to flags. These terms are useful when describing specific flags and their properties – particularly for a blog such as this. The most common of these terms include:
Relating to the dimensions of a flag:
Fly: The part of a flag farthest away from the flagpole
Hoist: The part of a flag nearest to the flagpole
Length: The span of a flag along the side at right angles to the flagpole
Width: The span of a flag down the side parallel to the flagpole
Relating to the design and colours of a flag:
Field: The background of the flag – usually the predominant colour
Canton: A quarter of the flag – usually refers to the upper left (hoist) quarter
Charge: A badge, emblem or other symbol that appears in the field of the flag
Badge: A coat of arms or other heraldic symbol
Fimbriation: A a narrow edging or border, often in white or gold, that separates two colours in a flag
Terms for common geometrical flag designs:
Quarterly: A flag divided in four equal quarters (cantons)
Pales: A flag divided into three vertical bands
Fesses: A flag divided into three horizontal bands
Saltire: A flag with a diagonal cross
Scandinavian Cross: A flag with a cross, of which the vertical arm is positioned more towards the hoist
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