n. (pl.-ra) beak; prow of ancient warship; platform or pulpit for speaking; musical conductor's dais; any beak-like part or thing. rostral, a.rostrate, a. beaked. rostriform, rostroid, a. beak-like. rostrulum, n. (pl.- la) small rostrum.
Modelled on the French tricolour, the vertical stripes represent liberty and revolution. The almost square proportions of the flag are unusual. Effective date: 23 January 1831.