Ensign word meaning and definition

[noun] colors flown by a ship to show its nationality
[noun] an emblem flown as a symbol of nationality
[noun] a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade

\En"sign\, n. [L. enseigne, L. insignia, pl. of insigne a distinctive mark, badge, flag; in + signum mark, sign. See {Sign}, and cf. {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. --Shak. 2. A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice. He will lift an ensign to the nations from far. --Is. v. 26. 3. Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol. The ensigns of our power about we bear. --Waller. 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. Note: 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. {Ensign bearer}, one who carries a flag; an ensign.
\En"sign\, v. t. 1. To designate as by an ensign. [Obs.] Henry but joined the roses that ensigned Particular families. --B. Jonson. 2. 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.

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