flag of truce

American  

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.

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flag of truce British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of flag of truce

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

In a message sent under a flag of truce, Washington told British General Henry Clinton, in New York, that he would spare André’s life if Clinton turned over Arnold.

From Literature

I waved it, like a flag of truce, once, twice...The breeze caught it, and I let go.

From Literature

“A Titan wants to see you, under a flag of truce. He has a message from Kronos.”

From Literature

In an effort to extricate himself from the predicament, he puts on blue pants and a gray coat before walking outside under the white flag of truce.

From The Wall Street Journal

Black Kettle carried an American Flag and a white flag of truce presented to him by President Lincoln; White Antelope wore a peace medal, also from Lincoln.

From Time