Definition of "ensign" in English

noun

1. A badge of office, rank, or power.

2. The lowest grade of commissioned officer in the United States Navy, junior to a lieutenant junior grade.

3. A flag or banner carried by military units; a standard or color/colour.

4. (nautical) The principal flag or banner flown by a ship (usually at the stern) to indicate nationality.

5. Any prominent flag or banner.

6. (historical) A junior commissioned officer in the 18th and 19th centuries whose duty was to carry the unit's ensign.

verb

1. (obsolete) To designate as by an ensign.

2. To distinguish by a mark or ornament.

3. (heraldry) To distinguish by an ornament, especially by a crown.

   • Any charge which has a crown immediately above or upon it, is said to be ensigned.