1785. Grose, Dict. Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
Flag-flasher, subs. (common).—One sporting a badge or other ensign of office (cap, apron, uniform, [[3]]etc.) when off duty.—Cf., Flag, sense 2.
Flag-about, subs. (old).—A strumpet. [From Flag, a paving-stone]. For synonyms, see Barrack-hack and Tart.
Flag-Flying.—See Flag.
Flag of Distress, subs. phr. (common).—1. A card announcing ‘lodgings,’ or ‘board and lodgings.’ Hence, any overt sign of poverty.
2. (common).—A flying shirt-tail; in America, a letter in the post-office (q.v.).
Flagger, subs. (common).—A street-walker. For synonyms, see Barrack-hack and Tart.
1865. Daily Paper, ‘Police Report.’ She wasn’t a low sort at all—she wasn’t a Flagger, as we call it. So I replies, ‘I am well, thankee; and am happy to say I feel as such.’
Flags, subs. (common).—Linen drying and flying in the wind. For synonyms, see Snow.
Flag Unfurled, subs. phr. (rhyming).—A man of the world.