the position of a flag lowered about halfway down a mast, staff, etc., esp. as a sign of mourning
transitive verb
to fly (a flag) at half-mast
See half-mast in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(hăfˈmăstˈ, häfˈmästˈ)
noun
The position about halfway up a mast or pole at which a flag is flown as a symbol of mourning for the dead or as a signal of distress. Also called half-staff.