GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   ensign , n. [L. enseigne, L. insignia, pl. of insigne a distinctive mark, badge, flag; in + signum mark, sign. See Sign, and cf. Insignia, 3d Ancient.]
   A flag; a banner; a standard; esp., the national flag, or a banner indicating nationality, carried by a ship or a body of soldiers; -- as distinguished from flags indicating divisions of the army, rank of naval officers, or private signals, and the like.
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   Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still.
   Shak.
   
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   A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice.
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   He will lift an ensign to the nations from far.
   Is. v. 26.
   
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   Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol.
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   The ensigns of our power about we bear.
   Waller.
   
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   (a) Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment. (b) A commissioned officer of the lowest grade in the navy, corresponding to the grade of second lieutenant in the army.
   Ham. Nav. Encyc.
   
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   ☞ In the British army the rank of ensign was abolished in 1871. In the United States army the rank is not recognized; the regimental flags being carried by a sergeant called the color sergeant.
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   Ensign bearer, one who carries a flag; an ensign.
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2.       
   Ensign, v. t.
   To designate as by an ensign. [Obs.]
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   Henry but joined the roses that ensigned
   Particular families.
   B. Jonson.
   
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   To distinguish by a mark or ornament; esp. (Her.), by a crown; thus, any charge which has a crown immediately above or upon it, is said to be ensigned.
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