EN'SIGN, noun en'sine. [Latin insigne, insignia, from signum, a mark impressed, a sign.] 1. The flag or banner of a military band; a banner of colors; a standard; a figured cloth or piece of silk, attached to a staff, and usually with figures, colors or arms thereon, borne by an officer at the head of a company, troop or other band. 2. Any signal to assemble or to give notice. He will lift up an ensign to the nations. Isaiah 5:26. Ye shall be left as an ensign on a hill. Isaiah 30:17. 3. A badge; a mark of distinction, rank or office; as ensigns of power or virtue. 4. The officer who carries the flag or colors, being the lowest commissioned officer in a company of infantry. 5. Naval ensign is a large banner hoisted on a staff and carried over the poop or stern of a ship; used to distinguish ships of different nations, or to characterize different squadrons of the same navy.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI