flag of truce

noun

, Military.

1. a white flag displayed as an invitation to the enemy to confer, or carried as a sign of peaceful intention by one sent to deal with the enemy.

flag of truce

noun

1. a white flag indicating the peaceful intent of its bearer or an invitation to an enemy to negotiate

Word History and Origins

Origin of flag of truce¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

But when the flag-of-truce party reached the "Horn o' Plenty" they found not a corsair there!

From Project Gutenberg

He had a skin of the same color and a white tail, that retreating flag-of-truce so familiar to our overland emigrants.

From Project Gutenberg

In fifteen minutes an officer came to take their paroles, and they were escorted to the union lines by a flag-of-truce party.

From Project Gutenberg

They sent forward a flag-of-truce, and demanded the instant surrender of the stockade.

From Project Gutenberg

The New York flag-of-truce boat was found lying at the wharf with four hundred prisoners, whom she had not time to deliver.

From Project Gutenberg