half-staff
Noun: A position on a flagpole or mast that is halfway between the top and the bottom. A flag is flown at this lowered position as a mark of respect, mourning, or as a distress signal.
The term "half-staff" is used to describe the specific, lowered position of a flag. It is a ceremonial or symbolic act. - The flag is lowered to half-staff. - The flag flies at half-staff. - The flag remains at half-staff.
- The national flag was at half-staff for a week following the president's death.
- By order of the governor, all flags on state buildings were lowered to half-staff.
- The ship's ensign was flown at half-staff to signal distress.
- To half-staff (verb, rare): The act of lowering a flag to the half-staff position.
- The protocol officer was instructed to half-staff the colors at noon.
- Half-mast: This is the synonymous term used primarily in nautical contexts (for flags on ships) and is common in British English. The meaning is identical to "half-staff."
- The admiral ordered the flags to be flown at half-mast.
- Half-mast
The core meaning is the position itself. The act of placing a flag in this position is a visual symbol with two primary conventional meanings: 1. Mourning and Respect: To honor the death of a prominent figure (e.g., a head of state, national hero) or in response to a tragedy. 2. Distress: A signal, especially at sea, that a ship or its crew is in trouble and requires assistance.
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a position some distance below the top of a mast to which a flag is lowered in mourning or to signal distress
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