ensign
ensign (en"sin also en"sīn, except for 4a) , noun
[Latin enseigne, Latin insignia, plural of insigne a distinctive mark, badge, flag; in + signum mark, sign. See Sign, and compare Insignia, 3d Ancient.]
1.
A flag; a banner; a standard; esp., the national flag, or a banner indicating nationality, carried by a ship or a body of soldiers; -- as distinguished from flags indicating divisions of the army, rank of naval officers, or private signals, and the like.
Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still.
2.
A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice.
He will lift an ensign to the nations from far.
3.
Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol.
The ensigns of our power about we bear.
4.
(a) Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment.
(b)
A commissioned officer of the lowest grade in the navy, corresponding to the grade of second lieutenant in the army. — Ham. Nav. Encyc
In the British army the rank of ensign was abolished in 1871. In the United States army the rank is not recognized; the regimental flags being carried by a sergeant called the color sergeant.
Collocations (1)
Ensign bearer , one who carries a flag; an ensign.
Ensign , transitive verb
1.
To designate as by an ensign. [Obsolete]
Henry but joined the roses that ensigned
Particular families.
2.
(Heraldry) To distinguish by a mark or ornament; esp. (Heraldry), by a crown; thus, any charge which has a crown immediately above or upon it, is said to be ensigned.