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Irish pennant

Irish pennant
 n.— «The term “Irish pennant” derives from the Royal Navy during the time of sailing ships. It was a loose or untidy end of a line. In Navy and Marine Corps parlance today, an Irish pennant is a loose thread on a uniform, for which you get gigged at inspection.» —“Irish Pennants” by Jack Kelly Irish Pennants May 5, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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