n.1 a a banner or flag, esp. the military or naval flag of a nation. b Brit. a flag with the union in the corner.
2 a standard-bearer.
3 a hist. the lowest commissioned infantry officer. b US the lowest commissioned officer in the navy.
Phrases and idioms:
blue ensign the ensign of government departments and formerly of the naval reserve etc. red ensign the ensign of the merchant service. white ensign the ensign of the Royal Navy and the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Derivatives:
ensigncy n.
Etymology: ME f. OF enseigne f. L insignia: see INSIGNIA