Hypertext Webster Gateway: "ensign"
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary (easton)
Ensign
(1.) Heb. 'oth, a military standard, especially of a single
tribe (Num. 2:2). Each separate tribe had its own "sign" or
"ensign."
(2.) Heb. nes, a lofty signal, as a column or high pole (Num.
21:8, 9); a standard or signal or flag placed on high mountains
to point out to the people a place of rendezvous on the
irruption of an enemy (Isa. 5:26; 11:12; 18:3; 62:10; Jer. 4:6,
21; Ps. 60:4). This was an occasional signal, and not a military
standard. Elevation and conspicuity are implied in the word.
(3.) The Hebrew word _degel_ denotes the standard given to
each of the four divisions of the host of the Israelites at the
Exodus (Num. 1:52; 2:2; 10:14). In Cant. 2:4 it is rendered
"banner." We have no definite information as to the nature of
these military standards. (See {BANNER}.)
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Ensign \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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
ensign
n 1: a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States
Navy or Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade
2: an emblem flown as a symbol of nationality [syn: {flag}, {national
flag}]
3: colors flown by a ship to show its nationality
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