ensign staff

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of ensign staff

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Almost the last to be seen of her was the mercantile flag of Japan, still floating proudly from the ensign staff.

From Project Gutenberg

Then from the ensign staff fluttered the Black Cross of the Imperial German Navy.

From Project Gutenberg

After many conjectures respecting the cause, when we were near another ship, almost as dull as ours, which, however, gained upon us, the captain ordered all hands to come aft, and stand as near the ensign staff as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

"Then cut away your ensign staff, or you'll all be dead men."

From Project Gutenberg