ensign
en.sign \'en(t)-s*n, in senses other than 3b also 'en-.si-n\ n [ME ensigne, fr. MF enseigne, fr. L insignia insignia, flags] 1: a flag flown as the symbol of nationality 2a: a badge of office, rank, or power 2b: EMBLEM, SIGN archaic 3a: STANDARD-BEARER 3b: the most junior naval commissioned officer ranking just below a lieuten ant junior grade and above a chief warrant officer