Flaggs.
These are not only used at sea for distinctions of Nations, or Officers of Fleets (as that the Admirall should have his in the Maine-top, the Vice-Admirall in the fore, and the Reare-Admirall in the Mis∣sen-top,) but also for distinctions and signes what ships must doe, ac∣cording as they have directions from the chiefe Commander, as to chase, to give over, to come to counsell, or the like; At sea, to lower, or strike ones Flagg in fight is a token of yeelding, but otherwise of great obedience and respect: And to be made to take it in perforce, the grea∣test disgrace that can be; when they would have the flag out, they say, heave out the Flagg, that is, to wrap it close about the staffe; To strike the Flagg, is to pull it downe upon the Cap, and so let it hang over loose.