1567. Harman, Caveat (1814), p. 65. Roge. But a flagge, a wyn, and a make. (But a groat, a penny, and a half-penny.)
1610. Rowlands, Martin Mark-all, p. 38 (H. Club’s Rept. 1874) s.v.
1714. Memoirs of John Hall (4th ed.), p. 12, s.v.
1725. Jonathan Wild, Canting Dict., s.v.
1851–61. H. Mayhew, Lond. Lab. and Lond. Poor, vol. I., p. 269. A [[2]]tremendous black doll bought for a flag (fourpence) of a retired rag-merchant.
2. (common).—An apron; hence a badge of office or trade; cf., Flag-flasher. Equivalents are Belly-cheat and Fig-leaf.
1851–61. H. Mayhew, Lond. Lab. and Lond. Poor, vol. I., p. 232 (List of patterer’s words), s.v.
1872. Dundee Advertiser, 20 April; ‘Report of Meeting of Domestic Servants.’ It was contended that they were compelled to wear what was generally known as a flag.
1887. W. E. Henley, Villon’s Straight Tip. Suppose you try a different tack, And on the square you flash your flag.
3. (obsolete).—A jade.