Ensignship

/ˈɛnsənˌʃɪp/ noun

Definition

The office, rank, or position of an ensign in a military or naval organization.

Etymology

Formed by combining 'ensign' with the suffix '-ship,' which Old English derived from 'sciepe' meaning 'condition' or 'state.' This suffix is used to denote positions, ranks, or abstract qualities.

Kelly Says

In the 18th and 19th centuries, ensignship was often the first officer rank a young aristocrat would purchase or receive—it was the entry point to becoming a military officer, so many famous generals started as ensigns.

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