A colour is a name for certain kinds of flags. *''On land'', it usually refers to regimental colours, but the term is also used outside military situations - for example, Boys Brigade as well as the

Royal Rangers Assemblies of God youth organizations include two youth organizations operating under the auspices of the Assemblies of God, the Royal Rangers and the Mpact Girls Clubs (formerly known as the Missionettes). Royal Rangers Royal Rangers is an adve ...

Scout Scout may refer to: Youth movement * Scout (Scouting), a child, usually 10–18 years of age, participating in the worldwide Scouting movement **Scouts (The Scout Association), section for 10-14 year olds in the United Kingdom ** Scouts BSA, sect ...

and Girl Guide flags are known as colours. *''At sea'', the term "flying the colours" refers to a warship sailing on the

high seas The terms international waters or transboundary waters apply where any of the following types of bodies of water (or their drainage basins) transcend international boundaries: oceans, large marine ecosystems, enclosed or semi-enclosed region ...

and flying its national

ensign An ensign is the national flag flown on a vessel to indicate nationality. The ensign is the largest flag, generally flown at the stern (rear) of the ship while in port. The naval ensign (also known as war ensign), used on warships, may be diff ...

, thereby making its presence (and therefore its nation's military influence) known to other naval powers.

See also