FLAG, a strip of 'cloth of a light fabric, varying in form and color, frequently bearing some emblematic design, and ordinarily fixed by one end to a staff, pole, rope, etc., while the other is allowed to fly free. The length of a flag from the part near the staff to the free end is called the fly, and the measurement at right angles to this is known as the hoist, height or depth.
The uses of flags are numerous. They serve in a variety of ways as signals. They convey definite information of various kinds, and are used as general symbols of rejoicing, congratu lation, sympathy, mourning, etc. In a classifi cation of the uses of flags, that which stands first, as the most general, is their use as na tional emblems. Next in order comes their use as distinguishing emblems of the naval and military forces of particular nations. In the army each regiment is distinguished by its par ticular flag or colors. This usage is general, and the colors of regiments come to be dis tinctive of their services and of their esprit de corps, as well as of their position in the army. Flags are sometimes presented by persons of rank or official station, or by other individuals or groups of people, and often bear names and emblems commemorative of past achievements.
In the majority of countries the presentation of regimental flags is attended by a religious ceremony. This use of flags is of great an tiquity. In the Bible the standards of the different tribes are referred to in the arrange ment of the camp of the Israelites in the desert. The Greek. and Roman armies had their dis tinctive flags. In the French army distinctive flags were introduced during the wars in Italy in the 16th century. The word drapeau in French (which, in its most extended significa tion is equivalent to our ((flag))) is used spe cifically for the colors of an infantry regiment ; etendard for those of a cavalry regiment; pavil ion for the colors used in the naval service.
The union of Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick marks, first, the union of England and Scotland into the kingdom of Great Britain and then this kingdom with Ireland. This is the union flag of Great Britain, and was brought colonists to America. (See FLAG OF THE