flag etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "fleg(ge)" (masc.), "floga" (fem.), meaning "cloth, piece of cloth, streamer on a spear"
  • Proto-West Germanic "*flagjō"
  • Proto-Germanic "*flagjō"
  • Proto-Indo-European "*pleg" (to fold, to plait)

Meaning:

A flag is a piece of fabric, typically attached to a pole or staff, that is used as a symbol or representation of a nation, state, organization, or cause. It may bear various designs, colors, and emblems that carry symbolic or heraldic significance.

Origin:

The use of flags as symbols dates back to ancient civilizations. In the ancient world, flags were often used as military standards, indicating the presence and affiliation of troops in battle. Examples of early flags include:

  • The Roman "vexillum," a rectangular banner with a symbol or emblem
  • The Greek "sema," a piece of cloth attached to a pole
  • The Egyptian "standards," which featured religious or symbolic designs

Over time, flags evolved from being primarily military symbols to becoming symbols of nations and states. The use of national flags became widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries, as nations asserted their independence and sought to establish their national identities.

The first modern national flag is believed to be the Dutch "Prinsenvlag" ("Prince's Flag"), adopted in 1579 during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This flag featured the colors orange, white, and blue, and became the inspiration for many other national flags, including the French Tricolor and the American Stars and Stripes.

flag relate terms

  • flag

    Etymology Old English fleg ge masc floga fem meaning cloth piece of clot

  • flagman

    Etymology The word flagman is derived from the Old English words flagg a banner or

  • flag

    Etymology Old English fleg ge masc floga fem meaning cloth piece of clot

  • flaunt

    Etymology Middle English flaunten from Old French flaunter frequentative of flanquer

  • flaw

    Etymology The word flaw is derived from the Old French word flawe which in turn come

  • iris

    Etymology Greek íris Meaning Rainbow Messenger of the gods Goddess of the rainb

  • ensign

    Etymology Middle French ensine from Late Latin insignia neuter plural of insigni

  • canton

    Etymology The word canton originates from the Old French term canton which itself d

  • tail

    Etymology Origin Middle English taile Latin talea meaning a cutting a slice

  • ornament

  • waft

    Etymology Middle English wayfen wafen from Old English wafian to wave move to and fr