flag of truce

noun

, Military.

1. a white flag displayed as an invitation to the enemy to confer, or carried as a sign of peaceful intention by one sent to deal with the enemy.

flag of truce

noun

1. a white flag indicating the peaceful intent of its bearer or an invitation to an enemy to negotiate

Word History and Origins

Origin of flag of truce¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

In the imagery of Bloody Sunday, the 17-year-old seems limp, and Father Daly waves a bloodstained handkerchief as an impromptu flag of truce.

From New York Times

Meanwhile, Arnold arranged for a boat, under a flag of truce, to take a Tory woman and her children across the Hudson to an area held by the British.

From Literature

I waved it, like a flag of truce, once, twice...The breeze caught it, and I let go.

From Literature

“A Titan wants to see you, under a flag of truce. He has a message from Kronos.”

From Literature

In an effort to extricate himself from the predicament, he puts on blue pants and a gray coat before walking outside under the white flag of truce.

From Wall Street Journal