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Ensign vs Pennant - What's the difference?

ensign | pennant | Related terms |

As nouns the difference between ensign and pennant

is that ensign is a badge of office, rank, or power while pennant is a flag normally used by naval vessels to represent a special condition.

As a verb ensign

is to designate as by an ensign.

As a proper noun Ensign

is {{surname}.

ensign

English

(wikipedia ensign)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A badge of office, rank, or power.
  • * (Edmund Waller) (1606-1687)
  • The ensigns of our power about we bear.
  • The lowest grade of commissioned officer in the United States Navy, junior to a lieutenant junior grade.
  • *
  • , title=(The Celebrity), chapter=10 , passage=The skipper Mr. Cooke had hired at Far Harbor was a God-fearing man with a luke warm interest in his new billet and employer, and had only been prevailed upon to take charge of the yacht after the offer of an emolument equal to half a year's sea pay of an ensign in the navy.}}
  • A flag or banner carried by military units. See standard, color, colour.
  • * (William Shakespeare) (1564-1616)
  • Hang up your ensigns , let your drums be still.
  • (label) The principal flag or banner flown by a ship to indicate nationality.
  • A junior commissioned officer in the 18th and 19th Centuries whose duty was to carry the unit's ensign.
  • A prominent flag or banner.
  • * 1667 ?, (John Milton), (Paradise Lost)
  • Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced.

    Synonyms

    (junior commissioned officer) * coronet (cavalry equivalent of the infantry ensign) * second lieutenant (OF-1), first NATO commissioned officer grade above OF-0 trainee officer

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To designate as by an ensign.
  • *
  • To distinguish by a mark or ornament
  • (heraldry) To distinguish by an ornament, especially by a crown.
  • Any charge which has a crown immediately above or upon it, is said to be ensigned .

    pennant

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A flag normally used by naval vessels to represent a special condition.
  • # The broad pennant flown by commodores.
  • # The church pennant indicating religious services are taking place aboard ship.
  • # The commissioning pennant flown on ceremonial occasions.
  • (sports) The winning of a competition, represented by a flag.
  • The New York Yankees have won the American League pennant far more often than any other team.
  • A rope or strap to which a purchase is hooked.
  • Usage notes

    Not to be confused with pedant (one overly concerned with correctness), nor with pendant (a piece of jewellery).