[en.sign] n [ME ensigne, fr. MF enseigne, fr. L insignia insignia, flags] (15c) 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
2. a: a badge of office, rank, or power b: emblem, sign 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