ENSIGN

noun Etymology: Middle English ~e, sign, token, banner, from Anglo-French enseigne, from Latin insignia insignia, flags Date: 15th century 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, 2. a badge of office, rank, or power, emblem , sign , 3. an infantry officer of what was formerly the lowest commissioned rank, a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a chief warrant officer and below a lieutenant junior grade