0 A flag that is at half mast has been brought down to a point halfway down the pole as an expression of sadness at someone's death: --
1 the position half the way down a pole to which a flag is moved to show respect for someone who has died: --
The issue of whether to fly the flag at half-mast for her funeral caused controversy for some councils where local feelings were strong.
When being hoisted to half-mast, the flag should first be brought to the peak of the staff and then lowered to the half-mast position.
In addition to the tradition of half-mast, the national flag topped by black cloth may be flown to designate mourning.
All the regional flags and the departmental ensigns are flown at half-mast on national or regional mourning days as well as the national flag.
When such an order is issued, all government buildings, offices, public schools and military bases are to fly their flags at half-mast.
The signs may vary but usually include the lowering or posting half-mast of flags on public buildings.
By order of the colonial authorities, all flags on public buildings were hung at half-mast.
The state closed all offices and flags were flown at half-mast.
