Glossary of vexillology

Vexillology is the study and collection of information about flags. This is a glossary of terms used in vexillology.

Parts of a flag

Basic patterns

Flags often inherit traits seen in traditional European designs. As a result, patterns often share names.

Name	Illustration	Example
Border/bordure		Flag of Maldives
Canton		Flag of Australia
Quadrisection		Flag of Panama
Greek cross (couped cross)		Flag of Switzerland
Symmetric cross		Flag of Georgia
Nordic cross		Flag of Iceland
Pale		Flag of Canada
Fess		Flag of Austria
Bend		Flag of Tanzania
Chevron		Flag of Philippines
Pall		Flag of South Africa
Saltire		Flag of Scotland