merchant flag

noun

1. the ensign used by all ships engaged in commerce, fishing, etc.

Example Sentences

Defence minister Ben Wallace said he had ordered the warships HMS Montrose and HMS Defender to prepare to return to escort duties for all ships sailing under a British merchant flag.

From Reuters

The merchant flag is the same without the shield and crown.

From Project Gutenberg

A representation of the Italian merchant flag will be found on Plate V. No. 5.

From Project Gutenberg

An hour went by, another, and the deceptive British merchant flag still fluttered from the rigging of the Noank.

From Project Gutenberg

Nearer and nearer, before the somewhat freshening breeze, came the strange schooner, with the merchant flag of Great Britain fluttering out to declare how peaceable and friendly was her character.

From Project Gutenberg