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Position of respect on the staff (4-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

half-mast

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue might be a double definition.

'position of respect' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)

'the staff' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'on' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for half-mast that I've seen before include "How flag is placed for mourning" , "Position of flag to signal mourning" , "Where flag is flown to denote mourning" , "Position of flag to denote mourning" , "Position of flag set for mourning" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Globe and Mail.
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