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.)

(nes ; in the Authorized Version generally “ensign,” sometimes “standard;” degel, “standard,” with the exception of (Song of Solomon 2:4) “banner;” oth, “ensign”). This distinction between these three Hebrew terms is sufficiently marked by their respective uses. Nes is a signal, and not a military standard. It is an occasional signal, which was exhibited on the top of a pole from a bare mountain-top, (Isaiah 13:2; 18:3) degel a military standard for a large division of an army; and oth the same for a small one. Neither of them, however, expresses the idea which “standard” conveys to our minds, viz. a flag. The standards in use among the Hebrews probably resembled those of the Egyptians and Assyrians—a figure or device of some kind elevated on a pole; usually a sacred emblem, such as an animal, a boat, or the king’s name.

EN'SIGN. See Banners.

EN'SIGN. See Banners. ENSUE' means, in 1 Pet 3:11, "to follow after and overtake."

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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. A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice. He will lift an ensign to the nations from far. Is. v. 26.

3. Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol. The ensigns of our power about we bear. Waller.

4. Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment.

5. A commissioned officer of the lowest grade in the navy, corresponding to the grade of second lieutenant in the army. Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To designate as by an ensign. [Obs.] Henry but joined the roses that ensigned Particular families. B. Jonson.

2. 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.