half-mast

[haf-mast, hahf-mahst]

noun

1. a position approximately halfway between the top of a mast, staff, etc., and its base.

verb (used with object)

1. to place (a flag) at half-mast, as a mark of respect for the dead or as a signal of distress.

half-mast

noun

1. the lower than normal position to which a flag is lowered on a mast as a sign of mourning or distress

verb

1. (tr) to put (a flag) in this position

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-mast¹

First recorded in 1620–30