black flag

noun

1. a pirate flag, usually of black cloth with a white skull and crossbones on it; Jolly Roger.

2. a flag having two yellow and two black squares, signifying the letter L in the International Code of Signals: formerly so called when used by itself to indicate the presence of cholera on board a vessel.

3. a signal given to an automobile racing driver to stop, usually because the car may have a dangerous problem that requires inspection.

black flag

noun

1. another name for the Jolly Roger

Word History and Origins

Origin of black flag¹

First recorded in 1585–95