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| ensign [ én sīn, énss'n ] (plural ensigns) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. flag indicating nationality: a flag that shows the nationality of the ship or aircraft flying it or what military unit it belongs to
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2. flag with Union Flag in corner: a naval flag bearing a small Union Flag in the upper corner next to the staff canton
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3. navy US Navy rank: an officer in the US Navy or Coast Guard of the lowest rank
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4. badge of office: an emblem or sign that indicates authority or command
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5. flag-bearer: a bearer of a national emblem or a standard
(
dated
)
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6. former rank in British Army: before 1871, a commissioned officer in the British infantry of the lowest rank
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| [14th century. < Old French enseigne< Latin insignia (plural) 'badges' < signum 'mark'] |
