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