The Nautical Encyclopedia

Patterson’s Illustrated Nautical Encyclopedia — Howard Patterson, 1891

⚓ The Superstition Locker ⚓

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Home ⚓ Letter H ⚓ Half Mast

Half Mast

Sea Terms

A flag is half-masted when it is hoisted but half way.

← Half Hitch All “H” entries Half Minute Glass →

2026 Editor's Note: Half-masting began at sea — room left above for death's invisible flag, tradition says — and went ashore onto every public flagpole; national codes now regulate the sailor's gesture. See half-mast. (Ed: BR 2026-06-02)

About Historical Disclaimer Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Contact

The Nautical Encyclopedia (1891) is in the public domain; this digital edition © 2026 PhotoOpAI.