house flag

a flag flown by a merchant ship, bearing the emblem of its owners or operators.

QUIZZES

Take this quiz to see if you really know the difference between “compliment” and “complement"!

Question 1 of 11

“Compliment” and “complement” had a shared meaning a long time ago, but today they are no longer interchangeable.

First recorded in 1880–85

This here craft is registered under your grandpas name an is sailin under his house-flag, the old cook reminded him.
Cursed|George Allan England
I do not think it's likely that he will find employment under any other house-flag, let alone ours.
A Tale of Two Tunnels|William Clark Russell
On a brumal November day, the Sarmania was to sail on her first trip under the Sutton house-flag.
The Viking Blood|Frederick William Wallace
Her house-flag blew stately from the lofty masthead; stately and proud, too, she floated, tall and square.
The Last Entry|William Clark Russell

And when the house-flag fluttered half-way to the deck and climbed again to the masthead, the soul of Hector McKaye would thrill.
Kindred of the Dust|Peter B. Kyne