jack-staff
Definition
Noun: A "jack-staff" is a nautical term referring to a short staff or pole at the bow of a ship, used for flying a flag (specifically a jack) when the vessel is at anchor or in port.
Usage Examples
- (The flagpole at the front of the vessel.)
- (The staff used for displaying a specific ship's flag.)
Advanced Usage
- "to fly a jack from the jack-staff": To display a small national flag or naval ensign from the staff at the ship's bow.
- The warship flew the Union Jack from its jack-staff while anchored. (The ship showed its national flag on the forward staff.)
Variants and Related Words
Jack (n): a small flag, typically flown at the bow of a ship, often representing nationality or rank.
- The jack was lowered at sunset. (The small flag was taken down.)
Staff (n): a pole or stick used as a support or for display.
- The flag was attached to a wooden staff. (A pole for holding a flag.)
Synonyms
- Flagpole: a tall pole used for flying a flag.
- Mast: a vertical spar on a ship for sails or flags.
Related Idioms
- "Jack-staff" does not commonly appear in idioms, but it is a specific nautical term with no figurative usage.