half-staff vs half-mast
Definitions
noun
- a position some distance below the top of a mast to which a flag is lowered in mourning or to signal distress
Examples
I don't mean to deny any honorifics or acknowledgment of those killed, however I don't believe that Director Panetta is authorized to have flags at CIA Headquarters be flown at half-staff.
The U.S. flag is otherwise flown at half-staff (or half-mast, on ships) when directed by the President of the United States or a state governor.
A. a mark of respect for the memory of Harry A. Blackmun, retired A.sociate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of A.erica, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff on the day of his interment.
Definitions
noun
- a position some distance below the top of a mast to which a flag is lowered in mourning or to signal distress
Examples
As the flag fluttered at half-mast, worshippers sang the national anthem and signed a book of condolence.
In his half-mast trousers, short-cut jacket and spiky wig, he looks like a delinquent Jack Horner.
The university closed for three days as of Friday and flags are flying at half-mast in mourning of the rector's death.
