Ensign (flag)
An ensign is a distinguishing token, emblem, badge, or flag such as a symbol of office. The word is derived from the French enseigne from the Latin plural insignia and is more particularly used of a military or naval standard or banner. An armorial ensign applies specifically to heraldic symbols of an army.
In nautical use, an ensign in the form of a flag is usually flown at the stern of a ship or boat to indicate its nationality. Ensigns may also be flown from the gaff of a ship, and may be shifted to the yardarm when the ship is underway.
In some countries, such as Franceand the United States of America (in most cases), the national ensign is identical to the national flag, while in others, such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States of America (in the case of Private Yachts Only), there are special national flags for maritime use.
In heraldry, an ensign is the ornament or sign, such as the crown, coronet or mitre, borne above the charge or arms.
In many modern militaries, a "standard" refers to a type of ensign placed on a vehicle to indicate the rank of the occupant. This may be in the form of a decal on a windshield (such as the blue decals used to mark officers' cars in the United States armed forces), a license plate depicting an officer's rank insignia, or a small flag mounted on the hood or fender. These are the "standards" referred to in the 10th General Order for Sentries and a salute is required from subordinates when the flags or placards are displayed ("not cased").