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Entry 6 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

ensign

/(ĕn"sĭn also ĕn"sīn, except for 4a)/ · en·sign · IPA /ˈɛn.sɪn/
01 n. 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 d…
  1. 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. 2.
    A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice.
    “He will lift an ensign to the nations from far.” — Is. v. 26.
  3. 3.
    Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol.
    “The ensigns of our power about we bear.” — Waller.
  4. 4.
    Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment.
Phrases & compounds
Ensign bearer — one who carries a flag; an ensign.
02 v. t. To designate as by an ensign.
  1. 1.
    To designate as by an ensign.[Obs.]
    “Henry but joined the roses that ensigned Particular families.” — B. Jonson.
  2. 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.(Her.)