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Where does the word "ensign" come from? It comes from Latin insignia, passing through Old French before entering English (1500s).
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Where does the word "ensign" come from? It comes from Latin insignia, passing through Old French before entering English (1500s).
Ensign’s story begins in Latin: insignia meant “badges.” From 'signum', sign, the root of 'insignia'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as enseigne. A military standard. It reached English by 1500s as ensign. US Navy 'ensigns' are junior officers. Today, ensign means a flag; a junior naval officer.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient insignia "badges", from 'signum', sign, the root of 'insignia'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval enseigne "banner", a military standard.
- Stage 3 · English · 1500s ensign "flag; flag-bearer", US Navy 'ensigns' are junior officers.