Ensign
/ˈen.sən/noun
A flag or banner displayed as a symbol of a nation, military unit, or organization; also a naval officer of junior rank.
Did you know?The word comes through Latin insignia, originally the plural of insigne, meaning identifying badges or emblems; its modern flag sense developed later through military usage.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
signum
“A mark, token, sign, image, or military standard”
Classical Latin
Latin
insignis
“Marked out, distinguished, or notable”
Late Latin
Latin
insigne / insignia
“An identifying emblem, badge, or distinctive mark”
11th–12th Century
Old French
enseigne
“A sign, emblem, banner, or military standard”
14th Century
Middle English
ensigne
“A flag, banner, or distinguishing badge”
Modern English
English
ensign
“A national or military flag; later also a junior naval officer”