flag of truce

2 definitions found

flag of truce - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Truce \Truce\, n. [OE. trewes, triwes, treowes, pl. of trewe a
     truce, properly, pledge of fidelity, truth, AS. tre['o]w
     fidelity, faith, troth. See True.]
     1. (Mil.) A suspension of arms by agreement of the commanders
        of opposing forces; a temporary cessation of hostilities,
        for negotiation or other purpose; an armistice.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Hence, intermission of action, pain, or contest; temporary
        cessation; short quiet.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Where he may likeliest find
              Truce to his restless thoughts.       --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Flag of truce (Mil.), a white flag carried or exhibited by
        one of the hostile parties, during the flying of which
        hostilities are suspended.
  
     Truce of God, a suspension of arms promulgated by the
        church, which occasionally took place in the Middle Ages,
        putting a stop to private hostilities at or within certain
        periods.
        [1913 Webster]

flag of truce - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  flag of truce
      n 1: flag consisting of a piece of white cloth that is hoisted
           to signal surrender or to ask for a truce [syn: white flag
           , flag of truce]