EN'SIGN, n. en'sine. L. insigne, insignia, from signum, a mark impressed, a sign.
1. The flag or banner of a military band a banner of colors a standard a figured cloth or piece of silk, attached to a staff, and usually with figures, colors or arms thereon, borne by an officer at the head of a company, troop or other band.
2. Any signal to assemble or to give notice.
He will lift up an ensign to the nations. Isaiah 5
Ye shall be left as an ensign on a hill. Isaiah 30
3. A badge a mark of distinction, rank or office as ensigns of power or virtue.
4. The officer who carries the flag or colors, being the lowest commissioned officer in a company of infantry.
5. Naval ensign, is a large banner hoisted on a staff and carried over the poop or stern of a ship used to distinguish ships of different nations, or to characterize different equadrons of the same navy.