Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word ensign. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word ensign, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say ensign in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word ensign you have here. The definition of the word ensign will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofensign, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
The skipper Mr. Cooke had hired at Far Harbor was a God-fearing man with a luke warm interest in his new billet and employer, and had only been prevailed upon to take charge of the yacht after the offer of an emolument equal to half a year's sea pay of an ensign in the navy.
(nautical) The principal flag or banner flown by a ship (usually at the stern) to indicate nationality.
1960 , Ian Scott-Kilvert, “Life of Alcibiades”, in The Rise and Fall of Athens: Nine Greek Lives, translation of original by Plutarch:
But Alcibiades swiftly ran up the Athenian ensign on his flagship and bore down on that part of the Peloponnesian fleet which held the advantage and was pursuing the Athenians.
Any prominent flag or banner.
1667, John Milton, “(please specify the page number)”, in Paradise Lost., London: ">…] , and are to be sold by Peter Parker; nd by Robert Boulter; nd Matthias Walker,, →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books:, London: Basil Montagu Pickering, 1873, →OCLC:
Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced.
(historical) A junior commissioned officer in the 18th and 19th centuries whose duty was to carry the unit's ensign.