| 释义 |
en·sign
I. \ˈen(t)sən, ˈenˌsīn sometimes ˈenzən; in the United States & Brit navies ˈen(t)sən sometimes ˈenzən\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English ensigne, from Middle French enseigne, from Latin insignia, plural of insigne, from neuter of insignis having a distinctive mark, outstanding, from in- in- (II) + -signis (from signum mark, sign) — more at sign
1. : a flag that has been established by a national authority for display as the symbol of nationality by ships or airplanes and that also may be flown sometimes with a distinctive badge added to its design by a military installation, by an organization (as the customs service, a harbor board, or a marine insurance company) having nautical associations, or by an overseas colony or dominion
2.
a. : a badge of office, rank, or power; sometimes : heraldic bearings — usually used in plural
b. : emblem, symbol, sign
< that ensign of tutorial authority, the hickory stick >
3.
a. archaic : standard-bearer; especially : a commissioned officer of the British army before 1871 who acted as a standard-bearer
b. : the most junior naval commissioned officer ranking just below a lieutenant junior grade and above a chief warrant officer
c. : a onetime infantry officer of the lowest commissioned rank
4. : a dark to blackish blue
Synonyms: see flag
II. \ə̇nˈsīn, enˈ-\ transitive verb
Etymology: Middle French enseigner, from Medieval Latin insignare, from Latin in- in- (II) + signum mark, sign
1. : to distinguish by a mark or ornament
< a sail ensigned with an ornamental device >
2. : to distinguish (as a heraldic charge) by a significant mark (as a granted badge or a crown or miter); specifically : to surmount (as a shield) with such a mark |