half-'staff
1Half-staff — or half mast describes a flag flying approximately halfway up a flagpole or ship s mast (though anywhere from one third to two thirds of the way up is acceptable, but see below). This is done in many countries as a symbol of respect, mourning, or …
2half-staff — half′ staff′ n. naut. half mast • Etymology: 1595–1605 …
3half-staff — ☆ half staff [haf′staf′ ] n. HALF MAST …
4half-staff — noun Date: 1708 half mast …
5half-staff — /haf staf , hahf stahf /, n., v.t. half mast. [1595 1605] * * * …
6half-staff — noun half mast …
7half-staff — v. lower a flag to half mast as a sign of respect for the dead or as a distress signal …
8half-staff — noun a position some distance below the top of a mast to which a flag is lowered in mourning or to signal distress • Syn: ↑half mast • Hypernyms: ↑position, ↑place …
9To hang the flag at half-staff — Flag Flag, n. [Cf. LG. & G. flagge, Sw. flagg, Dan. flag, D. vlag. See {Flag} to hang loose.] 1. That which flags or hangs down loosely. [1913 Webster] 2. A cloth usually bearing a device or devices and used to indicate nationality, party, etc.,… …
10To hang the flag half-staff — Flag Flag, n. [Cf. LG. & G. flagge, Sw. flagg, Dan. flag, D. vlag. See {Flag} to hang loose.] 1. That which flags or hangs down loosely. [1913 Webster] 2. A cloth usually bearing a device or devices and used to indicate nationality, party, etc.,… …
