n. The flag or banner distinguishing a company of soldiers, an army, or a vessel; colors; a standard.n. Specifically In Great Britain, a flag composed of a field of white, blue, or red, with the union in the upper corner, next the staff.n. A sign or signal.n. A badge; a mark of distinction, rank, or office; a symbol; in the plural, insignia.n. Name and rank used as a battle-cry or watchword.n. In the British army, until 1871, one of the lowest grade of commissioned officers in a regiment of infantry, the senior of whom carried the ensign or colors of the regiment: now called second lieutenant. (See lieutenant.) The rank of ensign also existed in the American revolutionary army.n. In the United States navy, one of the lowest grade of commissioned officers, ranking with second lieutenant in the army. The title was first introduced in 1862, taking the place of passed midshipman.n. A company of troops led by an ensign.To mark or distinguish by some sign; form the badge of.In heraldry, to distinguish (a charge) by a mark or an ornament, as a crown, coronet, or miter, borne on or over it: as, the heart in the arms of Douglas is ensigned with a royal crown (see the cut)—that is, with a crown borne on the top of it. A staff is sometimes said to be ensigned with a flag.To point out to; signify to.