ENSIGN

Ensign. Ensign
(1.) Heb. ‘oth, a military standard, especially of a single tribe (Num. 2:2). Each separate tribe had its own “sign” or “ensign.”

(2.) Heb. nes, a lofty signal, as a column or high pole (Num. 21:8, 9); a standard or signal or flag placed on high mountains to point out to the people a place of rendezvous on the irruption of an enemy (Isa. 5:26; 11:12; 18:3; 62:10; Jer. 4:6, 21; Ps. 60:4). This was an occasional signal, and not a military standard. Elevation and conspicuity are implied in the word.

(3.) The Hebrew word degel denotes the standard given to each of the four divisions of the host of the Israelites at the Exodus (Num. 1:52; 2:2; 10:14). In Cant. 2:4 it is rendered “banner.” We have no definite information as to the nature of these military standards. (See BANNER.)

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ENSIGN. → General scriptures concerning Ps 74:4; Isa 5:26; 11:10,12; 18:3; 30:17; 31:9; Zec 9:16 → See BANNER → See STANDARD

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ensign. Ensign, n. a flag or standard, an officer that carries it

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En″sign (?), n. [[L. enseigne, L. insignia, pl. of insigne a distinctive mark, badge, flag; in + signum mark, sign. See Sign, and cf. Insignia, 3d Ancient.]] 1. 1. 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.
Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still. Shak. 2. 2. A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice.
He will lift an ensign to the nations from far. Is. v. 26. 3. 3. Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol.
The ensigns of our power about we bear. Waller. 4. 4. (a) Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment. (b) A commissioned officer of the lowest grade in the navy, corresponding to the grade of second lieutenant in the army. Ham. Nav. Encyc.
☞ In the British army the rank of ensign was abolished in 1871. In the United States army the rank is not recognized; the regimental flags being carried by a sergeant called the color sergeant. Ensign bearer, one who carries a flag; an ensign.