Un′ion.
1. (Hydraulics.) A tubular coupling for pipes. See pipe-coupling. Fig. 6865 shows several forms. a is a common union, with a ball to prevent the sinking of the water above it. b, a gun-metal steam union. c, a hose-union. See hose-coupling. d, a union for bib-cocks, the joint on the end for the hose-union d′, and the shank end screwed for iron pipe.
 |
| Unions. |
2. (Fabric.) A fabric of flax and cotton. 3. The upper corner of a flag, against the staff, the other portion being the fly. See Fig. 2005, page 875, and description. The name of union is derived from the combined crosses of St. George and St. Andrew (the patron saints of England and Scotland respectively), which were united to form the flag of Great Britain when the two countries were united under King James I., who was previously James VI. of Scotland; and a wretched business he, his son, and his two grandsons made of it. The name jack, which distinguishes the union without the fly, was from the said Jacques, who in uniting the countries became the Union Jacques, which the jolly tars made union jack.
