First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
ensign
noun en·sign \ˈen(t)-sən, also ˈen-ˌsīn for 1, 2, & 3a\
: an officer of the lowest rank in the U.S. Navy
: a flag that is flown on a ship to show what country the ship belongs to
Full Definition of ENSIGN
1
: a flag that is flown (as by a ship) as the symbol of nationality and that may also be flown with a distinctive badge added to its design
3
a : an infantry officer of what was formerly the lowest commissioned rank b : a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a chief warrant officer and below a lieutenant junior grade
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Origin of ENSIGN
Middle English ensigne, sign, token, banner, from Anglo-French enseigne, from Latin insignia insignia, flags
ENSIGN Defined for Kids
ensign
noun en·sign \ˈen-sən, 1 is also -ˌsīn\
Definition of ENSIGN for Kids
1
: a flag flown as the symbol of nationality
2
: a commissioned officer of the lowest rank in the navy or coast guard
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