ensign staff

noun

1. a staff at the stern of a vessel at which the ensign is flown.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensign staff¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

She flew no flag at her masthead, it is true; but Mildmay could now see that she had hoisted a blue ensign on her ensign staff.

From Project Gutenberg

When she struck, a number of the men climbed up the ensign-staff, under an apprehension of her immediately going to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg

On either side and slightly in advance of the ensign staff, M.-L.

From Project Gutenberg

Her stern was high out of water, the red ensign of England flapping impotently on the ensign staff.

From Project Gutenberg

"Blue Peter" was hoisted at the fore, while the Dutch national ensign floated from her ensign staff.

From Project Gutenberg