Definition of ensign

• n. - 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.
• n. - A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice.
• n. - Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol.
• n. - Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment.
• n. - A commissioned officer of the lowest grade in the navy, corresponding to the grade of second lieutenant in the army.
• v. t. - To designate as by an ensign.
• v. t. - 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.