merchant flag

American  

noun

1. the ensign used by all ships engaged in commerce, fishing, etc.

---

Example Sentences

Let your deeds express your gratitude; and if you behave as well under the pennant as you have hitherto done under the merchant flag, I shall be more than satisfied.

From The Log of a Privateersman by Rainey, W. (William)

To carry still further the illusion, we hoisted the Spanish merchant flag.

From Memoirs of Service Afloat, During the War Between the States by Semmes, Raphael

The merchant flag is red with a yellow ball in the centre.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

A number of the foreign nations have different flags, known as the royal standard, the war flag, and the merchant flag.

From The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 2, No. 23, June 9, 1898 A Weekly Magazine for Boys and Girls by Bishop, Julia Truitt

Nearer and nearer, before the somewhat freshening breeze, came the strange schooner, with the merchant flag of Great Britain fluttering out to declare how peaceable and friendly was her character.

From The Noank's Log A Privateer of the Revolution by Stoddard, W. O.