Dictionary of Vexillology: A (Alfaquaquus – American War Mothers Flag) (original) (raw)

ALFAQUAQUUS

The medieval term, now obsolete, for a person who is entitled to carry his banner erect on the King’s highway.

Please note that this word is recorded as having a Spanish origin (which remains unproven) however, the extent to which it was used in English medieval manuscripts is not known.

ALFERES (or ALFEROUS)

Late 17th early 18th century terms, now obsolete, for a standard bearer.

[ ](../images/v/vx-bouc.jpg) [ ](../images/v/vx-verspronck.jpg)
Alferous/Standard Bearers: paintings from Victor Boucquet (left, 1664) and J.C. Verspronck (1640)

Notes a) It is suggested that the alternative form was sometimes used in medieval manuscripts b) There is a possible relationship between this term and the Spanish military rank of alférez or ensign (see also ensign 5).

ALIGHT

In heraldry see flamant.

[ .gif)](../images/v/vx-pt-tvdtm-ss%29.gif) [ ](../images/v/vx-pt-tvdtm-ss.gif)
Arms and Flag of Torres Vedras, Portugal

ALLEGORY (or ALLEGORICAL)

The terms covering a pictorial illustration with a symbolic meaning, and whose imagery is usually intended to convey a moral and/or political message – see anti-heraldry.

Flag of the State of Virginia, US; Jack of the Batavian Republic 1797, The Netherlands; Flag of Richmond 1914–1933, US

ALL-SEEING EYE OF GOD

See Eye of God.

[ ](../images/v/vx-ch-vs095.gif) [ ](../images/v/vx-pl-ma-rd.gif)
Flag of Goppisberg Switzerland; Flag of Radzymin, Poland

ALLUSIVE ARMS

An alternative heraldic term to canting – see canting.

[ .gif)](../images/v/vx-magde%29.gif) [ ](../images/v/vx-de-st-md.gif)
Arms and Flag of Magdeburg ("Maiden Castle"), Germany (Wikipedia & fotw)

ALTEMA

Medieval term, now obsolete, for the upper part of the cart upon which the standard was placed (see also carrocium,gajardus and standard 6)).

ALTERNATIVE FLAG/ENSIGN (or ALTERNATE FLAG/ENSIGN)

Terms used to describe any flag or ensign (either official or unofficial) being presented as an alternative to that which is generally accepted (or officially established) for a particular role.

National Flag/Civil Ensign as regulated, and Alternative Civil Ensign of the United Arab Emirates

AMALGAM (or AMALGAM LANGUAGE) FLAGS

See linguistic flags (also combined flag).

Amalgam Language Flags for English and German (CS)

AMARANTH

In heraldry see shades of tincture.

AMBASSADOR'S (or AMBASSADORIAL) FLAG

See diplomatic flags.

[ ](../images/v/vx-sl%5Femb.gif) [ ](../images/v/vx-it%5Famb.gif) [ ](../images/v/vx-fi-amb19.gif)
Ambassador's flags: Sierra Leone, Italy 1918 and Finland 1919–1920

AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS FLAG

See service flag 3).

[ ](../images/v/vx-us%5Fawm.gif)
American War Mothers/Armistice Day Flag, US