Etymology Map
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Ensign

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a flag; a junior naval officer

Where does the word "ensign" come from? It comes from Latin insignia, passing through Old French before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
insignia
Latin · ancient
"badges"
from 'signum', sign, the root of 'insignia'
2
Stage 2 of 3
enseigne
Old French · medieval
"banner"
a military standard
3
Stage 3 of 3
ensign
English · 1500s
"flag; flag-bearer"
US Navy 'ensigns' are junior officers
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Read the full story

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.