I hauled out my HUGE old dictionary and looked up "ensign"; here's a condensed version: Ensign, n. from L. insigna, a standard, badge; L insigne, neut. of insignis, distinguished by a mark, remarkable. 1. a badge, symbol, or token of office or authority. 2. a flag or banner, especially a military or naval banner. 3. in the British Army, formerly, a commissioned officer who served as standard-bearer. 4. in the U.S. Navy, a commissioned officer of the lowest rank . . . 5. a signal or sign. I wonder if common usage caused the word to be used to designate any person who carried the flag? Jean Edwards in Citrus Heights CA