A **finial** is the ornamental cap or terminal fitted to the top of a flagstaff. Finials may take the form of a ball, spearhead, eagle, fleur-de-lys or other emblem, and they often carry distinct symbolism: the United States, for example, prescribes a gilded eagle for the flags of the President and senior officials. Finials are practical as well as decorative, preventing water ingress and keeping the halyard from slipping over the truck.
**Example**: Military colours of many regiments are surmounted by a spearhead finial, while presidential standards frequently bear a gilt eagle.
**See also**: [halyard](/glossary/halyard/), [standard](/glossary/standard/), [hoisting](/glossary/hoisting/), [full-staff](/glossary/full-staff/)