'Ensign bearer' definitions:

Definition of 'Ensign bearer'

From: GCIDE
  • ensign \en"sign\ ([e^]n"s[i^]n also [e^]n"s[imac]n, except for 4a), n. [L. enseigne, L. insignia, pl. of insigne a distinctive mark, badge, flag; in + signum mark, sign. See Sign, and cf. Insignia, 3d Ancient.]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A signal displayed like a standard, to give notice. [1913 Webster]
  • He will lift an ensign to the nations from far. --Is. v. 26. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Sign; badge of office, rank, or power; symbol. [1913 Webster]
  • The ensigns of our power about we bear. --Waller. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (a) Formerly, a commissioned officer of the army who carried the ensign or flag of a company or regiment. (b) A commissioned officer of the lowest grade in the navy, corresponding to the grade of second lieutenant in the army. --Ham. Nav. Encyc. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: In the British army the rank of ensign was abolished in
  • 1871. In the United States army the rank is not recognized; the regimental flags being carried by a sergeant called the color sergeant. [1913 Webster]
  • Ensign bearer, one who carries a flag; an ensign. [1913 Webster]