ensigns

An ensign is a flag or banner that indicates nationality, allegiance, or organizational identity. The term comes from the Old French en signe, meaning “in sign,” and has long been used in military and maritime practice. In naval use, an ensign is typically the flag that identifies a ship’s country and is flown on a designated part of the vessel. There are several categories of ensigns, including the national ensign (the principal flag of a country), civil ensign (used by private vessels), and state or war ensigns (assigned to government or military ships). Traditions and display rules vary by country, but ensigns are generally flown at the stern or on a masthead.

As a rank, ensign denotes the entry-level commissioned officer in some navies. In the United States Navy and Coast Guard, an ensign is the pay grade O-1, the first rank for commissioned officers, and its insignia is a gold bar. In other nations, the lowest officer grades have different titles, and the term ensign may be historical or ceremonial rather than part of contemporary rank structures.

In vexillology and heraldry, ensigns are studied as symbols of statehood and authority. The concept also appears in civil and municipal contexts, where organizations or cities may employ an ensign or banner for ceremonies or identification. Overall, ensigns encompass both the ceremonial flags flown on ships to signify nationality and the military rank of a junior officer in several navies, reflecting the dual roots of the word in flags and ranks.