negative flag

American

noun

the letter N in the International Code of Signals, signifying “no” when flown by itself: a square flag having four rows of alternate blue and white squares.

Etymology

Origin of negative flag

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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negative flag

Cressy to the St. George by signal, "Shall I take you in tow?" answered with the negative flag: observed one of her rudder guys gone, and the people repairing it.

From Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez. Vol II by Ross, John, Sir

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023