ensign

en-sign · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A flag or banner, especially a military or naval flag indicating nationality.

  2. 2.

    A junior rank of commissioned officer in the US Navy or Coast Guard, below lieutenant.

  3. 3.

    (Historical) A standard-bearer or the lowest rank of commissioned infantry officer in the British army.

Forms

plural: ensigns

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    white ensign — flag of the British Royal Navy
  • •
    red ensign — flag used by British merchant vessels

Related words

See also: banner, flag, lieutenant
Synonyms: banner, flag, standard

Etymology

From Old French enseigne ("mark, sign, flag"), from Latin insignia ("badges of office, distinguishing marks"), plural of insigne, from in- ("in") + signum ("mark, sign").