Plural of ensign; flags or banners used to identify a ship, military unit, or organization, or officers with specific ranks in navies.
From Old French 'enseigne' meaning 'sign' or 'banner,' derived from Latin 'insignia' (marks of office). The meaning evolved from general insignia to specifically naval flags and then to military officer ranks.
A ship's ensign is like its uniform—the British Royal Navy's white, red, and blue ensigns are so distinctive that experienced sailors can identify a ship's allegiance from miles away just by looking at which flag it flies.
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