The Union Flag as Proclaimed in 1801 (Željko Heimer)
PROPER
The heraldic term used when a charge or figure is shown in its natural shape and colours, as
opposed to stylised heraldic colours or shapes – see ‘aqua’, ‘carnation’, ‘cendrée’
and ‘terry’.
1) The relationship between the width and length of a flag, usually expressed
in that order that is, for example 1:2, but sometimes also in the reverse or 2:1
– the ratio or aspect ratio (see also dimensions',
‘length’,
‘rectangle’ and
‘width’)
2) The relative dimensions of two or more stripes or bands within a flag,
(whether disposed vertically horizontally or diagonally) – internal proportions
(see also ‘optical proportions’ and
‘stripe’).
A flag, as opposed to a banner as defined herein, that is specifically designed to express a popular sentiment –
but see political flag’ and the note below (also ‘banner 3)’).
Please note with regard to 1) that this is not an established term in the above context, but has been
extended by the Editors since no established alternative could be found.
PROTO-VEXILLOID
A term proposed and recorded by W Smith in 1969 but never adopted, and originally
intended to describe an object that fulfils the function of a flag but which is not a
flag – see ‘vexilloid 1)’.
PROVINCIAL ARMS (or COAT OF ARMS)
1) The arms of a territorial division within a country when that area is
called a province – for example one of the provinces (regions) of The
Netherlands or of
Argentina (see also coat of arms,
provincial crown 1)
and sub-national flag).
2) In UK usage a colloquial term for the arms that relate to those areas which lie outside
the capital and its surrounding districts.
1) Specifically, the term – and an adaptation of the Italian corona per il titolo
di provincia – that may be used to describe a plain-topped coronet with crossed
branches (of foliage) running through it, which is seen on many Italian provincial
arms/gonfalone – an Italian provincial crown – see provincial arms (also
coronet,
gonfalon 1) and
mural crown).
2) Generically, the term may also be used to describe a coronet of any pattern,
when such appears ensigned above the arms of a province – see
coronet (also
ensigned).
In Scandinavian usage, a long, trapezoidal wimpel or pennant, usually in the relevant
provincial livery colours and often flown from domestic flagpoles to indicate that the owner
is in residence – a husband pennant – but see ‘wimpel 1)’
(also ‘livery colours’ and
‘trapeziod 2)’).
In US usage now increasingly obsolete, a flag (or bunting usually in flag colours) that is displayed flat against
a wall for decoration – an advertising pulldown (see also
‘bunting 2)’.
In US maritime, lake and inland waterway usage, the terms used for a pennant (of
regulated design and possibly made from non-flexible material), which may now be
displayed to indicate that a leisure vessel requires the waste disposal service
introduced by various Clean Vessel Acts – but see ‘pumpout flag’
Regulated Design of the Pumpout Alert Pennant (CS)
PUMPOUT FLAG (or PENNANT)
In US maritime, lake and inland waterway usage, the term for a flag or pennant
(of regulated design) that is flown in accordance with various Clean Vessel Acts to
indicate the location or availability of a toilet waste disposal service for leisure
vessels – see ‘clean marina flag’ and ‘pumpout alert pennant’.
Regulated Designs for the Pumpout Flag, Symbol and pennant (official website)
PUNNING ARMS
An alternative heraldic term for canting arms – see canting.
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