Ensign was, until 1871, the title given to officers of the lowest commissioned rank in the British infantry (the corresponding rank in the cavalry being Cornet), because they carried the regimental Colours (q.v.) or ensign. Formerly this was a duty attended with much danger when in action, and considered highly honourable; but colours are no longer taken into battle, and officers of the rank of ensigns and cornets are now called sub-lieutenants.
ENSIGN is also the name of the distinguishing flag on board ship. See FLAG.