Definition

1. Noun:
   • A flag or banner, especially one displayed on a ship to indicate nationality: An ensign is a specific type of flag used primarily at sea to denote the country to which a vessel belongs.
   • A badge or symbol of office, authority, or membership; an emblem: An ensign can be a distinctive symbol representing a group, rank, or position.
   • A commissioned officer of the lowest rank in the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard: In specific military contexts, an ensign is an officer rank.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Flag):
  • The ship flew the British ensign from its stern.
  • They lowered the ensign at sunset as per naval tradition.
• Noun (Emblem/Badge):
  • The knight bore the king's ensign on his shield.
• Noun (Military Rank):
  • She was promoted from midshipman to ensign.
  • Ensign Smith reported for duty on the new vessel.

Advanced Usage

• "Wear the ensign": To hold a particular rank or position of authority, often used figuratively.
  • He wore the ensign of leadership with great responsibility.
• "Strike the ensign": To lower or take down a flag, especially as a sign of surrender or respect.
  • The captain ordered the crew to strike the ensign as a mark of mourning.

Variants and Related Words

• Ensigncy/Ensignship (n): The rank or position of an ensign.
  • His ensigncy was a proud moment for his family.
• Ensign-bearer (n): A person who carries a flag or standard. (Note: This is a compound word listed separately as per instructions).

Synonyms

• Flag: A piece of cloth with a distinctive design used as a symbol, signal, or decoration.
• Standard: A flag or other symbol that is used as an emblem by a nation, military unit, etc.
• Pennant: A long, narrow flag, typically used for signaling or identification.
• Badge: A distinctive emblem worn as a mark of office, membership, achievement, or authority.

Related Phrases

• National ensign: The primary flag of a nation as flown by its ships.
  • All vessels must fly the national ensign in territorial waters.
• Commissioned ensign: Specifically refers to the officer holding the rank.
  • The commissioned ensign took command of the deck watch.

Related Idioms

• To nail one's ensign to the mast: To declare one's intentions openly and firmly, showing a determination not to surrender or yield. (Derived from the naval practice of nailing a flag to the mast so it could not be lowered).
  • By publishing the controversial article, the editor nailed his ensign to the mast.

Noun

1. colors flown by a ship to show its nationality
2. an emblem flown as a symbol of nationality
3. a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade