half-mast

Definition

The lowered position, half the height of a mast, at which a flag is flown when mourning, especially expressing respect for the deceased.

Example Sentences

• "Any other UK national flags flown alongside the Union Flag when it is at half-mast should also be at half-mast."
• "He is to be cremated later Thursday at a ceremony likely to be attended by the country's top leadership. Flags were seen flying at half-mast in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. China's state news agency Xinhua reported that flags would be lowered at government buildings across mainland China, semi-autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau, and in consulates abroad."
• "I looked around. Ari in a green jacket with four inches of fore arm showing and trousers at half mast, Penny and I in mismatched padded jackets and ski trousers which were way too long; and all wearing the silver moon boots that had been the rage in the early eighties."