Definition Definition

ensign - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'ensign' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Ensign [ n.]
- 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.
- A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice.
- Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol.
- Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment.
- A commissioned officer of the lowest grade in the navy, corresponding to the grade of second lieutenant in the army.
2 . Ensign [ v. t.]
- To designate as by an ensign.
- To distinguish by a mark or ornament; esp. (Her.), by a crown; thus, any charge which has a crown immediately above or upon it, is said to be ensigned.