FLAG

A FLAG is a piece of woven cloth, often flown from a pole or mast, generally used symbolically for signalling or recognition. The term FLAG is also used to refer to the graphic intend employed by a flag, or to its picture in another medium.
The first flags were used to assist military organization on battlefields and flags have evolved into a general tool for rudimentary signalling and identification, mainly in environments where communication is similarly challenging such as the maritime environment where semaphore is used. National flags are potent patriotic symbols with varied wide-ranging interpretation, often including strong military associations due to their unique and ongoing military uses. Flags are used in messaging, advertising, or for other decorative purpose, though at this less formal end the difference between a flag and a simple cloth banner is blurred. The study of flags is known as vexillology, from the Latin ''vexillum'' meaning flag or poster.