blue peter


noun Nautical.

a blue flag with a white square in the center, designating the letter P in the International Code of Signals, flown by a vessel in port to indicate its imminent departure.

Origin of blue peter

First recorded in 1815–25

Example sentences from the Web for blue peter

  • In some places it is known as a crow duck, but the proper local name here is "blue-peter."

  • The blue-peter was flying at the mast-head, and people hurrying away to say 'good-bye' for the last time.

    Tales Of The Trains |Charles James Lever
  • They observe the “Blue-Peter,” but without knowing aught of its significance.

    The Flag of Distress |Mayne Reid

British Dictionary definitions for blue peter

blue peter

noun

a signal flag of blue with a white square at the centre, displayed by a vessel about to leave port

Word Origin for blue peter

C19: from the name Peter