Half'-mast` (-mȧst`) noun A point some distance below the top of a mast or staff; as, a flag a half-mast (a token of mourning, etc.). Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/H/7
noun a position some distance below the top of the mast to which a flag is lowered in mourning or to signal distress Found on https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20974