ˈensaɪn 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. øblue 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. øøensigncy n. [ME f. OF enseigne f. L
insignia: see INSIGNIA]